COVID negative devotees only can attend religious fests in Rajasthan
- | Friday | 5th February, 2021
Only Covid negative devotees can attend religious fests in Rajasthan. COVID-19 RT-PCR reports will be allowed for religious festivals and melas, and those above 65 years, having comorbid conditions, pregnant women, and children below 10 have been advised not to visit such events. Also, only vaccinated healthcare and frontline workers will be deputed for festival duties.
Only Covid negative devotees can attend religious fests in Rajasthan. COVID-19 RT-PCR reports will be allowed for religious festivals and melas, and those above 65 years, having comorbid conditions, pregnant women, and children below 10 have been advised not to visit such events. Also, only vaccinated healthcare and frontline workers will be deputed for festival duties.
These are among some of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the state home department to prevent the spread of the virus on Thursday.
As for devotees from other states, only those with negative RT-PCR test reports (done 72 hours prior to the date of visit) shall be allowed to attend such festivals and melas. "The devotees may carry such test reports either on their mobile phones or as hard copies,” according to SOPs issued by principal secretary (home) Abhay Kumar.
“The medical and health department shall ensure that the healthcare workers and the other frontline workers engaged during such religious festivals/events/ melas are vaccinated on priority in the ongoing vaccination of this group,” as per the SOPs.
“Only vaccinated healthcare and other frontline workers be deputed for religious festivals/events/melas duties,” as per the SOPs.
Devotees from the state who plan to attend the Kumbh Mela to be held in Haridwar from February 27 to April 30 will have to comply with the guidelines issued by the central government and Uttarakhand government. “There shall be a registration of devotees and a medical certification regimen on similar lines as being practiced for the Amarnath Yatra. All devotees desirous of attending religious festivals/events/melas shall register with the district administration; obtain a medical certificate from the nearest community health centre/district hospital/medical college,” the order stated.
"Vulnerable population (age more than 65 years; pregnant women; children below the age of 10 years; those with underlying comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, chronic lung disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, immune-suppression and cancer) shall be discouraged to attend all such festivals/melas,” the order said.
Similarly, state government employees who are at higher risk shall not be exposed to any frontline work that requires direct contact with the public. The number of people at these events should not exceed the limit prescribed by the ministry of home affairs.
The health department will set up a surveillance system in accordance with the surveillance and response plan. The state government will also set up temporary hospitals and mobile testing facilities, including RT-PCR mobile labs, within the designated area.
Mask dispensing kiosks at government-approved rates will be set up at entry points and parking lots. The government will also distribute free masks to those who cannot afford them.
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