Bhubaneswar: The Puri Regency Government has decided to cover Jagannath’s temple for January 10 to 31 considering the steep increase in the case of Covid-19 and concern for the highly contagious Omicron variant.
However, the daily ritual will continue to be carried out by servants by following the Covid protocol.
“Observing a sudden surge in Covid cases throughout the state, we hastily held a virtual meeting with the Chhatura Nijog temple.
Decided to cover the temple from Monday to 31 January.
Decisions about the reopening of the temple will be taken after a comprehensive judgment Covid’s situation in February, “said Collector Puri Samarth Verma.
It must be noted a number of servants, they are family members and several employees, including senior officials Administrative Temple Shree Jagannath has been infected in the past week.
“We observe the health provisions of the servants.
Some of them are infected with mild symptoms.
The best treatment is being taken to ensure their welfare,” said a temple official.
After the first wave, the temple was closed for worshipers since March 20, 2020, and reopened on December 23 that year with only the family servant who was allowed as Darshan Dewa for two days.
The worshipers from the Puri City area were allowed to enter from 26 to 31 December 2020.
While the temple was closed on 1 and 2 January last year, thrown open to all worshipers, only those who brought a negative Covid certificate, from 3.
The second wave also encouraged the administration to close The temple began April 24 last year.
The temple opened the door in a staggering way for their nearby servants and families on August 12 and 13.
Furthermore, only the Puri urban residents were permitted in the temple from 16 to 20 August.
The temple was reopened on August 23.
The worshipers were told to produce their final vaccination certificate or RT-PC negative report obtained at least 96 hours before their visit was allowed to enter.