Puri: In view of the rising COVID-19 cases, the pilgrim town of Puri will remain out of bounds especially for visitors from today.
Puri Collector Balwant Singh informed that the decision to restrict the movement of people as well as visitors from the State and outside has been taken as there has been a significant rise in COVID-19 cases in the district in the recent past.
“No person or tourist who does not have any essential or emergency work will be allowed to enter the district. For essential works, people will have to register themselves at various checkpoints,” said Singh.
According to Singh, the restrictions on the entry will be enforced in the entire district. “Usually, people from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur visit Puri during weekends. We urge them to avoid visiting Puri till July 31 if they do not have any important or essential work,” he said.
There will not be any restriction for the residents of Puri including professionals and others from moving out of the district and returning for essential services. Puri district administration officials informed that special teams will be deployed at three entry points – Puri-Bhubaneswar, Puri-Astarang and Jagannath Sadak to ensure strict enforcement of the no entry restrictions.
Even though ASI monuments across the country are slated to reopen from (July 6) tomorrow, Konark temple will remain closed for visitors till July 31.
“As per Odisha government order all religious institutions will remain closed till July 31 and Konark temple will also remain shut during the period. A decision regarding opening of Konark Sun Temple for visitors will be taken after July 31,” Singh added.
(Edited By Ramakanta Biswas)
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