It's been three years now that we've been living with the pandemic, and being in a multiracial country, celebrating holidays and festivals has indeed been tricky.

There are certain rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that we need to adhere to so that the COVID-19 infection doesn't spread.

And with Chinese New Year just around the corner, those celebrating are waiting with bated breath to see what the government has in store for them.

What you can and can't do

Thankfully, this year, the government has greenlit a majority of the celebrations.

On Wednesday (19 January), the National Ministry has released a list of new SOPs for Chinese New Year celebrations, which starts on 1 February till 15 February, this year.

Its minister, Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, told Malay Mail that the new SOPs were tabled during the COVID-19 ministerial meeting and subsequently approved.

These new SOPs will be added to the National Security Council’s list of SOPs for Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan (social activities) that are currently being enforced nationwide.

Hence, that means Malaysians must continue to maintain physical distancing, wear face masks and register their attendance via MySejahtera wherever applicable.

Without further ado, here's what you can and cannot do during the Chinese New Year period:

What you can do

• Reunion dinners: no maximum number of people allowed to attend reunion dinners was given, but reunion dinners are usually meant for family and close relatives
• House visits: no more 10km radius as per last year's rule
• Prayers at temples: allowed on 1 Feb and 2 Feb, but must adhere to SOPs stated by the NSC
• CNY banquets: only for those who have received an invitation
• Hokkien New Year or Festivals of the Jade Emperor celebrations (9th day of CNY): allowed as long as it's confined within the perimeter of one’s house
• Chap Goh Mei celebrations (15th day of CNY): allowed at houses of worships, but must adhere to SOPs stated by the NSC
• Lion and dragon dances: allowed but must adhere to SOPs set by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry

What you can't do

• Open houses
• Receptions: not allowed to be carried out in multiple sessions and cannot be open to the public

Now that you know what you can and cannot do this Chinese New Year, remember to always adhere to the SOPs and stay safe, yeah?

MAIN IMAGE CREDIT: Education Malaysia