Chinese Temples Committee announces arrangements for Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin during the Lunar New Year period

The following is issued on behalf of the Chinese Temples Committee:
 
     In view of the COVID-19 epidemic development, the Chinese Temples Committee (CTC) announced today (February 1) the latest arrangements for the Che Kung Temple (the Temple) in Sha Tin during the Lunar New Year (LNY) period.
      
     Under the premise of epidemic prevention and in the consideration of the long tradition for worshippers to visit the Temple during the LNY wishing for prosperity in the coming year, CTC has to keep the risk of the worshipping activities in the Temple under control. The event of drawing divination sticks by the Sha Tin Rural Committee in the morning on the second day of the LNY (February 13) will not open for public participation. Please refer to the annex for details.
      
     The public opening hours of the Temple during the LNY 2021 are as follows:
 

     In order to reduce the risk of epidemic transmission, all precautionary and anti-epidemic measures in the Temple will be strictly implemented. For instance, temperature screening will be performed at the entrance of the Temple, worshippers will be required to wear face mask and scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code before entering the Temple. During LNY, CTC will limit the number of worshippers at the Temple to no more than half of the maximum capacity and one-way flow will be adopted inside the Temple so as to avoid gathering of a large crowd of worshippers therein. Other precautionary measures include the provision of hand sanitisers at the entrance, regular disinfection of kneeling pads, containers of divination sticks, fortune windmills and drumsticks, as well as adequate supply of liquid soup in the washrooms of the Temple.
      
     The spokesman of CTC reminded worshippers and said, "To effectively prevent the spread of virus, please strictly follow the anti-epidemic measures in the Temple, maintain social distancing. Alcohol must not be used in the incense lighting area to avoid fire hazard. The CTC also appeals to the public to avoid flocking to the Temple during the peak period. Every day is a good day for worshipping."