Only those devotees who have a negative RT-PCR test report (test done 72 hours prior to the date of visit) shall only be allowed to enter the Kumbh Mela site in Haridwar. The devotees may carry such test reports either on their mobile phones or in hard copies. This and other aspects were stated in the standard operating procedures (SOPs) on preventive measures to contain spread of Covid-19 during Kumbh Mela 2021 in Haridwar issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
The SOPs state that the Uttarakhand government would widely publicise, as also convey to all other State Governments that devotees with negative RT-PCR test report (test done 72 hours prior to the date of visit) shall only be allowed to enter the Kumbh Mela site. The State government shall ensure that the Healthcare workers and the other frontline workers engaged during Kumbh Mela medical and public health operations are vaccinated on priority in the ongoing vaccination of this group. Only vaccinated healthcare and other frontline workers should be deputed for Kumbh Mela duties. The State government shall follow registration of the devotees and a compulsory medical certification regimen on similar lines as being practiced for the Amarnath Yatra.
All devotees desirous of attending the Kumbh Mela shall register with the Uttarakhand government and obtain a compulsory medical certificate from the nearest community health centre/ district hospital/ medical college in their State.
The Uttarakhand government shall widely circulate this requirement to all the States well in advance, clearly specifying that the vulnerable population including those aged above 65 years, pregnant women, children below the age of 10 years and those with underlying comorbid conditions shall be discouraged to attend the Kumbh Mela. Devotees coming to the Kumbh Mela site without the compulsory medical certificate issued by a competent authority shall not be allowed. The State is also supposed to promote Covid appropriate behavior with simple public health measures to be followed to reduce the risk of Covid-19. These measures which need to be always observed by all include maintaining a minimum distance of six feet in public places as far as feasible, mandatory use of face covers/masks- mask dispensing kiosks at government approved rates may be set up at entry points and parking lots.
Provision shall be kept for distribution of free masks for those who cannot afford. Further, frequent hand washing with soap and use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers can be made wherever feasible. Use of foot operated taps and contactless soap dispensers is mandatory. The SOPs also mention specific administrative measures for preventing the spread of Covid-19 stating that the Kumbh Mela authorities may consider curtailing the total duration of the Kumbh Mela.
According to the ministry, the likely dates for this event are from February 27 to April 30. It is expected that about 10 lakh people will attend the mela on a regular day and about 50 lakh people will attend the mela on auspicious days. These six auspicious days are- Magh Purnima on February 27, Mahashivratri on March 11, Somvati Amavasya on April 12, Baisakhi on April 14, Ram Navmi on April 21 and Chaitra Purnima on April 27. These days are expected to witness a large surge of crowds congregating at Har Ki Paidi Ghat in Haridwar to take holy baths.
Monday, 25 January 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
