BREAKING: Darshan at Puri Srimandir suspended amidst COVID resurgence

Puri: General darshan at Puri Srimandir has been suspended till May 15 in view of the rising COVID-19 cases in the last couple of days.

However, all daily rituals will continue as usual with help of servitors and temple officials.

A decision to this effect was taken at a virtual meeting held under the chairmanship of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Krishan Kumar today. Members of Chhatisa Nijog, Puri Collector and SP were present at the meeting among others.

The meeting had discussion on new SOP for functioning of the centuries-old temple amidst the second wave of the pandemic.

It was decided that regular screening and testing for servitors’ families and temple officials will be carried out to ensure that the infection amongst them is detected at an early stage and the infectees are provided with effective treatment.

COVID care centre made operational at Neelachal Yatri Niwas  will be further strengthened as per requirement and constant review of the same will be taken up.

Besides, arrangements will be made for shifting of serious patients to SUM and other hospitals in the Bhubaneswar for treatment. The temple Administrator (Development ) will act as the Nodal Officer.

Focus will be given on vaccination of those involved in daily rituals at the shrine and those involved in construction of chariots for upcoming Ratha Jatra.  All preparations for construction of chariots will continue as per the tradition.

The SJTA will take advance steps for procurement of masks and sanitisers for use during Chandan Jatra, Snana Jatra and Ratha Jatra. This apart, awareness programmes on COVID-19 guidelines will continue to be carried out.

Today, the district reported as many as 395 fresh cases.