Puri: With Odisha witnessing a downward trend in new infections, the Puri administration has decided to lift the COVID restrictions at Jagannath Temple from March 20.
“Public entry into the shrine will be permitted from Dwara Pitha (opening of gates) to Pahada (closing of the temple). Devotees will be allowed darshan on Sundays as usual from March 20,” said Puri Collector Samarth Verma.
The 12th-century shrine was opened for the public on February 21, after remaining closed for almost 21 days due to a spike in COVID cases during the third wave in January, with strict adherence to COVID protocols from 6 am to 9 pm (Monday to Saturday). It was shut on Sunday for sanitisation of the premises.
Amid the declining cases, devotees were allowed to enter the temple without double vaccination certificates or RTPCR COVID-negative reports from February 21.
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