Karnataka: Devotees jabbed with atleast 1 dose of Covid-19 vaccine allowed to enter Hasanamba temple

HASSAN: Following protests from VHP members and pressure from many organisations and the public, the district administration has decided to allow devotees to visit Hasanamba temple but with a rider – only those who have taken the Covid-19 vaccine can enter. The temple will open on October 28 and close on November 6.
Because of the pandemic, authorities had decided to ban devotees, since lakhs visit the temple which opens only for a few days in a year.However, VHP members had protested what they called “low-key celebrations”.
Now, anyone who has been even partially vaccinated can enter. However, devotees will be banned on the first and last day. Those below 18 years of age will not be allowed.
“Special tickets prices will be Rs 300 and Rs 1,000. As Dasara was conducted successfully and schools reopened for primary sections on Monday, it was decided to allow the public. People will be allowed from 6am till 1pm and 3pm till 8pm,” said K Gopalaiah, district in-charge minister on Tuesday.
He added: “Since seconddose coverage is low in the district, it was decided to allow partially inoculated devotees. About 40% of residents in the district are fully vaccinated.”
Officials and a health team will check vaccination details of devotees at entry points. They can either show the SMS message or produce a hard copy of the certificate with ID proof. A counter has also been set up to jab devotees. “This will help increase vaccination coverage,” said BA Jagadish, assistant commissioner and temple administrator.
Last year, devotees were banned owing to Covid. LED screens were installed at select spots in Hassan city to livestream puja rituals and provide online darshan.