COVID-19: Jagannath Temple, filling up self-declaration form is mandatory to enter temple premises

In a move to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday imposed restrictions at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Dr. Krishan Kumar said that touching of Aruna and Garuda pillar has been prohibited, as well as any other idols inside the shrine. He also added that gathering of devotees on the said spots will be barred.
It was also decided that the servitors will have to wear masks when they are inside the shrine. Beside this, the servitors have been advised not to spit paan in public places, and also to wash their hands frequently.

Apart from this, it has also been decided that the devotees will now need to fill up a self-declaration form, in which they will have to declare everything starting from the health status of their family, including details such as any of their family members suffering from cold and cough, or with a travel history of any Coronavirus-infected countries within 15 days. Latest reports suggest that it will be mandatory for the devotees to fill up this form to enter the temple. Reports state that one can get the said form from the railway station, bus stand, and help desks at the main gate of the temple.

Also, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has shut down the Konark Sun Temple, which will not be accessible to visitors for the next seven days. Earlier, the district administration banned tourists from travelling from Puri to nearby Satapada Chilika, Konark; tour bus operations on the said routes were also restricted.