Puri, Odisha: Amid growing concerns about the possible third wave of coronavirus, Odisha’s government is easing restrictions on religious institutions and temples in strict compliance with COVID-19 rules.

Now, the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has also been open to worshipers every Saturday from today. The temple was open for five days the first week. The Jagannath Temple was reopened to worshipers on August 23 after a four-month hiatus.

Continuing with an earlier SOP, all worshipers visiting the temple will be required to produce the final COVID-19 vaccination certificate (for having taken two doses) or COVID-19 negative certificate (RT-PCR) from tests performed within 96 hours before their visit to the temple.

All worshipers will also need to bring their photo ID card i.e., Aadhaar / Voter ID etc. and enter through Singhadwar. After darshan, the exit will be via Uttaradwar.

It is mandatory for all devotees to wear masks at all times, inside and outside the temple, and they must disinfect their hands before entering the temple.

COVID situation in Odisha

A total of 628 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths were reported in the state on Friday, according to the Odisha health department. The new infections pushed the overall tally to 10,18,926, while the death toll rose to 8,122 as more people succumbed to the deadly virus.

Two government offices were also closed for two days after five cases were reported by employees.

Of the total new cases, 96 are children under the age of 18. While 367 have been detected in quarantine centers and 261 are local contacts, the information and public relations department said.

Khordha district continued to report the highest fresh infections with 291 cases, followed by Cuttack district with 72 cases, Jagatsinghpur (26), Sundergarh (23), Balasore (22) and Mayurbhanj (22). Among the other districts, the districts of Balangir, Deogarh and Ganjam reported only one new case each.