Puri: In a bid to ensure the safety and security of the servitors of Jagannath Temple in the pilgrim town, the shrine administration has ordered to carry out Covid-19 test of the sevayats starting from today.
As per the letter issued by the Shree Jagannath Temple administration (SJTA), Covid-19 swab test (RTPCR test) of the servitors of different nijogs, office employees and outsourcing staff will be conducted at Utkal Hindi Vidyapeetha in Grand Road from January 27. The test will continue till February 27.
“Around 3000 servitors will be tested in different phases. The number of RTPCR tests will be limited to 50 persons per day,” said SJTA Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar.
Keeping in view the entry of large number of devotees into the 12th century temple, SJTA has also requested the State government for the free vaccination of the servitors. However, they are yet to get any response regarding it.
“Safety and security of the servitors is of utmost importance. So, we have initiated the testing process again,” said Kumar.
Earlier on January 21, the public was allowed entry into the temple with a major relaxation as the district administration withdrew the mandatory production of Coronavirus negative certificate as a precondition for darshan in the 12th-century shrine.
After nearly nine months, the temple was reopened in a phased manner for servitors and their families in the initial stage followed by Puri residents from December 23 last year.
The temple was finally opened to the public for darshan of the Trinity from January 3, 2021 adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines.
(Edited by Suryakant Jena)