By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: As per the Chhatisha Nijog meeting held on 28.01.2022 under the chairmanship of Chief Administrator, Shree Jagannatha Temple Administrator, Dr Krishan Kumar, which reviewed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formanagement of situation arising out of CoviD-19 pandemic with regard to Shree
Jagannatha Temple.
The meeting was attended by the Collector, Puri, S.P, Puri, Senior officials of Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, Sevak Members of Shree Jagannatha Temple Managing Committee and members of Chhatisha Nijog. In the meeting, the current COVID situation was discussed in detail and the decision was taken to open the Temple w.e.f 01-02-2022 with strict adherence to the Covid guidelines, to ensure safety of the devotees and the Sevayats. Accordingy. the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) notified vide order No.128 dtd.9.01.2022 was revised to the extent provided hereunder.
These revisions in the SOP will come into force w.e.f. 01-02-2022:
1. The devotees can enter the temple for darshan of Lords from 06:00AM to 09:00PM on all days, when temple is open for public darshan.
2. However, the Temple will remain closed for public darshan on all Sundays in order to sanitize the Temple premises as a measure to contain the spread of Corona virus disease.
3. All devotees will be required to bring their photo ID Card, namely, Aadhaar/Voter ID or any other photo ID card for identification, along with final certificate for Covid19 vaccination (of having taken two doses) or Covid-19 negative certificate (RTPCR) of testing done within 96 hours prior to their visit to the Temple.
4. The restriction laid down vide point number 3′ will remain in force until 17.02.2022.The same will be reviewed again before the expiry of the said date and a revised instruction, if required, will be issued keeping in view the then prevailing COVID situation.
5. It is mandatory for all pilgrims to wear Masks at all times; inside & outside of the Temple. People flouting the norms will be fined, and may be refused entry to the Temple.
6. Devotees should sanitize their hands before entering the Temple. There should be strict enforcement, for ensuring COVID appropriate behaviour by all concerned.
7. Devotees should maintain physical distance at all times as per COVID-19 guidelines.
8. Temple administration has set-up camp for administering Precaution Dose” vaccination for Sevayats between the age group of 18 to 60 years. Efforts will to be made to ensure that all eligible Sevayats are given the same in due time,
keeping in view the health of the Sevayats.The above order will be reviewed periodically and revised instructions will be issued from time to time, keeping in view the evolving situation.
