Four-stage Covid tests for sevayats before participation in Puri Rath Yatra

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Four-stage Covid tests for sevayats before participation in Puri Rath Yatra

Last Updated : 18 Jun 2021 03:05:42 PM IST

Four-stage Covid tests for sevayats before participation in Puri Rath Yatra

Even though this year’s Rath Yatra in Puri will be held without the participation of devotees, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure strict compliance of Covid-19 norms by the handful of participants.

All the servitors, who will be engaged in various rituals of the sibling deities at Puri Jagannath temple, will undergo multiple rounds of Covid test (RT PCR) 48 hours prior to participating in the grand festival.

The testing will be done at four stages --before Snana Yatra, before Gundicha Yatra, before Bahuda Yatra and lastly, 15 days after Niladri Bije.

Similarly, Covid test of police personnel and temple officials involved in arrangements will also be conducted. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held on Friday.

Here are key decisions taken:

- RT PCR testing to be carried out for all the Sevaks involved in the rituals before 48 hrs. Similarly, Police personnel and Temple officials involved in arrangements will also to be tested.

-The testing will be done at four stages --before Snana Yatra, before Gundicha Yatra, before Bahuda Yatra and lastly, 15 days after Niladri Bije.

- Focus to remain on vaccination of all Sevaks and officials involved.

- A nodal officer will be appointed by the SJTA, Puri Dist Administrtion and CDMO office for close coordination on day-to-day basis.

- Masks to be distributed among the Sevaks during Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra. - To promote hand hygiene like last year, sanitizer to be distributed amongst Sevak families.

- Handouts will be distributed among all the Sevaks and officials on the Do’s & don’ts to be followed with regards to COVID-19.