Puri Rath Yatra: 5000 Sevayats, Cops To Undergo COVID-19 Test

Puri: Around 5000 sevayats and policemen, who were engaged in Rath Yatra event in Puri on Tuesday, will undergo COVID-19 test.

Briefing mediapersons after a high-level meeting, vice-chairman of Jagannath Temple Managing Committee Suresh Chandra Mahapatra said about 2,500 sevayats will undergo a second round COVID test and it will be completed by June 28 before the three chariots are turned about and parked on the Saradabali in front of the Gindicha Temple facing south for the Bahuda Yatra (return journey) of the deities.

“Those who will be tested negative will be allowed to take part in the return journey of the deities,” he said,

Besides the sevayats, the policemen and the municipality sweepers will also undergo the test, he added.

Mahapatra also said that a team will be formed to make the family members of the sevayats aware of the COVID-19 and its safety guidelines.

He also informed that the entire area of the Pilgrim Town will be completely sanitized during the festival.

Meanwhile, the COVID test of more than 1000 policemen, who were on duty during Rath Yatra, is underway at the Gopabandhu Ayurvedic College here.