PATHANAMTHITTA A Tamil Nadu devotee, who was on a pilgrimage to the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday during the mandatory antigen test conducted in Nilackal for pilgrims visiting the hilltop shrine, health authorities said.
According to the Covid-19 guidelines, pilgrims must carry a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued by a verified laboratory 48 hours before their visit. Antigen tests are performed at Nilackal for those who do not have negative certificates. The Tamil Nadu native tested positive during the antigen test in Nilackal, district health authorities said.
The devotee came completely alone and was transferred to the Covid Frontline Treatment Center (CFLTC) established at the Carmel school of engineering in Ranni. Ayyappa devotees wearing COVID-19 negative masks and certificates have been allowed to enter the famous temple here from October 17 morning, after more than six months. The temple, which opened for the monthly pujas on Friday evening, will allow pilgrims to offer worship until October 21.
Each day only 250 people will be allowed inside the temple. Only those between the ages of 10 and 60 are allowed to offer prayers, they should not gather in groups and maintain social distancing.
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