Puri: A total of 332 persons belonging to Sevayat community and 47 employees of Jagannayh Temple in Puri have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Odisha government submitted this information in its counter-affidavit to Orissa High Court on why it was against opening the gates of temples for devotees amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Of 822 samples collected from servitors/officials of Puri Srimandir, 379 have tested positive for COVID-19. Despite the grim situation, rituals of Lord Jagannath is underway without pause, but these may be disrupted in case of more infection,” it said.
It further stated as the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th-century shrine in Puri is narrow and there is every chance of spread of infection if it is allowed to open for devotees.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the court seeking opening of religious places and places of worship in the state.
The Centre, in its May 30 order on ‘Unlock 1.0’, had allowed the opening of religious places outside the containment zones from June 8.
The HC posted the next hearing on the matter to next week.
