Puri: The temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri will remain closed for devotees from tomorrow till May 15 in the wake of alarming rise of the novel virus Covid-19.
Major announcement was done after an urgent meeting was chaired by Dr Krishan Kumar, Chief Administrator, SJTA along with Senior Sevayats of various Nijogs, Collector of Puri Samarth Verma, Sp of Puri Dr Kanwar Vishal Singh and temple officials.
In view of the second wave of Coronavirus, the officials decided that the temple will remain closed for the public. All the daily rituals will continue with the help of the Sevayats.
Regular screening and testing for Sevayat Families and Temple Officials will be taken up to ensure that cases of COVID-19 amongst them are detected and are provided with effective treatment.
Focus for Vaccination will be on those who are involved in daily Seva-Puja of the Mahaprabhu and also those involved in the construction of Ratha. All preparations for Construction of Chariots to continue as per traditions.
The SJTA will take advance steps for procurement of Masks and Sanitisers for use during Chandan Yatra, Sanan Yatra and Ratha Yatra.
Earlier, the district administration had imposed night curfew, and the devotees were not allowed to enter the shrine from 8pm onwards to break the chain of the Covid-19 transmission.
Ms Kalinga