Puri, June 18: All the servitors involved in the ensuing annual Rath Yatra (car festival) of Lord Jagannath will undergo RT-PCR test in four stages. Similarly, police personnel and temple officials involved in the arrangements, will also to be tested.
Decision to this effect was taken on Friday in a meeting held virtually under the chairmanship of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Dr Krishan Kumar to discuss issues related to COVID Management during Rath Yatra-2021. The meeting was also attended by Puri Collector Samarth Verma, CDMO & senior officials of SJTA.
“RT PCR testing will be carried out for all the sevaks involved in the rituals before 48 hours. Similarly, police personnel and temple officials involved in arrangements, will also to be tested. The testing will be done at four stages i.e. before Snana Yatra, before Gundicha Yatra, before Bahuda Yatra & lastly, 15 days after Niladri Bije,” said a release.
It was also decided that focus will also be remain on vaccination of all sevaks and officials involved. A Nodal Officer will be appointed for close coordination on day-to-day basis.
It was further decided to set up a detailed micro-plan to be made for setting up of special medical posts during Rath Yatra. This will include deployment of additional medical staff in consultation, if required. Focus will also be on sevaks who will primarily pull the chariots in view of the COVID-19 restrictions.
Adequate number of face masks will also be distributed among the sevaks during Snana Yatra & Ratha Yatra and to promote hand hygiene like last year, sanitizer will also be distributed amongst Sevak families.
Meetings will be held with members of Nijogs to sensitise them on Do’s & Don’t’s to be followed during the conduct on the rituals as per orders of State Government. A handout will be distributed among all the Sevaks & Officials on the Do’s & Don’t’s to be followed with regards to COVID-19.
