LUCKNOW: Pilgrims and 'kalpvasis' visiting Magh Mela in Prayagraj will have to bring Covid-19 negative report through RT-PCR test along with them.
Additional chief secretary, health and family welfare, Amit Mohan Prasad said: “The test report should not be more than five days' old. Entry will not be allowed in the mela in case the visitor does not bring the required document.” 'Kalvasis' are the pilgrims who take pledge and live for a stipulated time period next to the Sangam.
Adding that the step is being taken for larger public interest, Prasad said: “Magh Mela is a place of mass gathering. Lakhs of people will be attending the event and any risk cannot be taken. Also, the state has been able to sail through the pandemic well since March. The case positivity and mortality rates have remained under control. Every possible step needs to be taken to ensure that the command over the pandemic prevails.”
An annual affair at the Sangal, Magh Mela is attended by people from across the country and abroad. Prasad also said that vaccine against the pandemic virus was on the anvil but it will take some time for it to reach to every target person. “Prevention is the best bet till the vaccine becomes a reality,” he said, cautioning people to be wary of any fake news around the vaccine.
“All kinds of news are circulating in different kinds of media. But the state will make a formal announcement when the vaccine actually arrives. Therefore, do not pay attention to anything else,” he said.