In a major concern, as many as 23 persons associated with Puri Jagannath temple have tested positive for Covid-19. As per the Shree Jagannath temple administration (SJTA), the fresh positive cases include 7 servitors of Puri Srimandir, three of their family members, 3 staff of SJTA, a cop of Jagannath temple, and a gardener. Apart from this, 8 staff of the shoe stand near the 12th century shrine were also found infected with the virus.
Meanwhile, an official of the district health department informed that a 13-year-old girl from Surat has tested positive. According to sources, the minor girl had travelled with her parents from Surat, and she was found positive during antigen test. Her parents however have tested negative for COVID-19. The girl is currently in quarantine and will undergo an RT-PCR test today for re-confirmation of the test reports. Puri has reported 53 Covid infections in the last 24 hours.