HOUSE visits are allowed only for fully vaccinated individuals during Christmas, said National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique.

Churches are allowed to hold choirs and prayer worships based on set standard operating procedures (SOP), but carolling is not permitted this year in line with government guidelines, she added.

“Churches are permitted to hold choir performances, with choristers practising physical distancing of not less than 1m and wearing face masks or face shields.”

On Christmas bazaars, she said it is subject to the approval and control of local authorities.

Halimah also urged Christians to celebrate the festivity in a new norm this year.

“Always adhere to set SOP, wear face masks, and maintain personal hygiene and physical distancing to break the chain of Covid-19.”

SOP for December 24 and 25 have been discussed and approved on Tuesday.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had earlier today said there will be no large-scale year-end celebration, after two Omicron cases were detected in the span of one month in the country.

However, he said small, private gatherings between close family and friends are allowed, adding that “those coming to small, private celebrations for New Year’s Eve will have to self-test first”. – December 16, 2021.