Odisha: RT-PCR tests of all involved in Rath Yatra

BHUBANESWAR: The state government has decided to conduct four-stage RT-PCR testing of servitors of Puri Jagannath temple, police personnel, temple staff and other government employees, who would be part of Rath Yatra and related rituals.
In view of the pandemic, the nine-day Rath Yatra would be celebrated only in Puri on July 12 without the participation of devotees.
The Covid testing will be done 48 hours before four major rituals, Debasnan Yatra (June 24), Rath Yatra (July 12), Bahuda Yatra (July 20) and 15 days after Niladri Bije (July 23), Shree Jagannath Temple Administrations chief administrator Krishan Kumar said after holding a virtual meeting on Friday with servitors on Covid management during this year’s Rath Yatra.
Sources said around 2,000 servitors, 400 temple staff, over 2,000 police personnel and around 1,000 district officials are likely to undergo the RT-PCR test.
Those, who have either been partially or fully vaccinated, would have to get tested for Covid-19. The government earlier announced that the servitors and others, who would take part in Rath Yatra, would either show their final vaccination certificates or RT-PCR negative reports. “Since there have been reports of reinfection among several vaccinated beneficiaries, we have decided to subject everyone, who would be associated with Rath Yatra and the related rituals, to RT-PCR test,” a senior government officer said.
The temple administration has decided to appoint a nodal officer for smooth co-ordination with district officials. A detailed micro-plan is being prepared for setting up of special medical posts during Rath Yatra. “This will include deployment of additional medical staff in consultation, if required. Focus will be on servitors, who will primarily pull the chariots in view of the Covid-19 restrictions,” Kumar said.
Ahead of Snan Purnima and Rath Yatra, the SJTA would distribute masks and hand sanitisers among the servitors and their family members.
Regular meetings will be convened with members of different nijogs to sensitize them about the Covid-safety protocols. A handout, featuring the Covid appropriate norms, will be distributed among all servitors.