Puri's Jagannath temple allows devotees to enter without RT-PCR, double vax

Puri (Odisha): Devotees will now be allowed to enter the famed Jagannath temple in Odisha's Puri without double vaccination certificates or RT-PCR COVID-negative reports, the administration announced on Monday.

The decision was taken in view of the declining COVID-19 cases, officials said.

Earlier, devotees were required to have double vaccination certificates or negative RT-PCR reports obtained within 72 hours before entering the temple.

A new order issued by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) also read that devotees will be allowed to enter the temple from 6 am to 9 pm on all days, except Sunday when it will be closed for sanitisation.

In addition, COVID-induced protocols, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, remain mandatory, the order said.

A separate queue has been made operational for senior citizens, it added.

Arrangements for drinking water will be made for the devotees when they wait in the queue, the order stated further.

Krishan Kumar, chief administrator, SJTA, said that the rules will be reviewed periodically and revised instructions will be issued from time to time, keeping in view the evolving situation. (PTI)