With rising in Covid cases in Puri, the district administration has begun a serious brainstorming on managing crowd in the Jagannath Temple. As the shrine is drawing thousands of devotees daily after its reopening for public, the administration is all set for quick decisions in next two days for safety from viral contamination.
Even, there is much possibility of further shutdown of the temple against public entry, if infection cases go up. After enforcing the fresh
Covid guidelines two days ago with restrictions already in place in railway stations and bus stands, the administration is likely to opt stringent steps for the Jagannath Temple. “We are watchful of the Jagannath Temple after the rise of Covid cases. We will take necessary steps within two days for the shrine,” district Collector Samarth Verma said, adding that restrictions have already been imposed at the bus-stand, railway station and other public gathering spots.
Asked about the possibility of further shutdown of the shrine for devotees, Verma told that whatever steps are needed must be taken in the temple to curb infection.
The Covid patients are on the rise in the district with 12 cases already registered on Sunday. It was almost nil a week back. The rush in the temple has given rise to fear of viral infection among devotees and servitors.