Odisha On COVID-19 Alert: Jagannath Temple Sevayats To Wear Masks

Puri: In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday issued a health advisory for sevayats and the devotees.

Talking to the media after the Chhattisa Nijog meeting, SJTA Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar said the devotees will be allowed to enter  the temple after filling up the self-declaration form about the travel history of their family members to foreign countries in the last 15 days. Besides, they will have to mention if any of the family members suffering from cough, cold and fever. “The self-declaration forms will be provided to the devotees outside the temple from tomorrow,” he added.

The chief administrator futher said that the devotees will enter the temple in a queue by maintaining a distance of at least six feet. The devotees have been told not to touch the Aruna Stambha, Garuda Stambha or any idol inside the temple premises.

About other safety measures, he said that the devotees will be provided with hand sanitizers before entering the temple. “Besides, arrangements have been made inside the temple to provide masks to the devotees,” he said.

The chief administrator said that the sevayats have been told to wear masks while performing rituals and refrain from performing sankirtan (group prayer).

To ensure proper sanitation, strict instruction has been given to the sevayats and the devotees not to spit at any place inside the temple, he pointed out.

To maintain social distancing, he said the devotees will not be allowed to eat the Mahaprasad in Anand Bazar premises inside the temple. “All these restrictions will remain in force till April 15,” he informed.