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Adopting Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures to keep congregants safe
Community
14 February 2022
Response to parliamentary question on vaccination-differentiated Safe Management Measures for unvaccinated persons
From 1 February 2022, Religious Organisations (ROs) must implement Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS) for all congregational and worship services at places of worship, which can involve up to 1000 worshippers at a time, subject to Safe Management Measures and the safe capacity of the premises.
Under these prevailing measures, ROs can allow one group of no more than 5 persons at any one time to conduct private worship in the premises, regardless of vaccination status. They cannot mingle with other worshippers who are taking part in activities subjected to VDS such as congregational worship services. Allowing unvaccinated individuals to gather only in very small groups reduces the risk of widespread transmission of the virus and severe health outcomes for the unvaccinated.
Faith communities support the national stance for vaccination and recognise the need to adopt VDS measures in religious activities in order to keep congregants safe. ROs have made important adjustments to their religious worship and activities to accommodate these measures. We appreciate the continued support from our ROs.