Vaishno Devi pilgrims arriving from outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to carry negative COVID test report not older than 48 hours before performing pilgrimage.
“All devotees coming from outside J&K for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra requested to carry valid COVID negative test report not more than 48 hours older at time of arrival,” Ramesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Monday wrote on microblogging site.
He said, “without COVID negative report will not be allowed for Yatra. Please Cooperate for the safety of all devotees.”
The much-awaited pilgrimage to the Cave Shrine resumed on August 16.
Thee yatra was suspended on March 18 this year in view of corona pandemic.
However, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board have also issued guidelines and SOPs for the pilgrims to be followed during the yatra.
The Shrine Board as per SOPs have also put a cap on 2,000 pilgrims per day for a week and registration will be available on official website www.maavaishnodevi.org.
As per guidelines, the CEO said that only those pilgrims who have registered Online will be allowed and persons above 60 years of age, a person with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are not allowed for the yatra.
“It is mandatory for the pilgrims to use ‘Arogya Setu Application on their mobile phones and only Asymptomatic pilgrims will be allowed to undertake the yatra,” he said adding that use of Face Mask/Covers’ is mandatory while compulsory Covid-19 Antigen testing for the pilgrims coming from outside Jammu and Kashmir.
The CEO further added that the pilgrims from Containment Zones shall also undergo Covid-19 Testing and allowed to proceed only when the result is negative and pilgrims should wash their hands and feet frequently with soap and water and before entering the Sanctum Sanctorum.
“Pilgrims are required to maintain physical distancing of six feet at all times. Touching of statues/idols is not allowed and no Mats/Blankets will be provided,” said Mr Kumar.
He said that Face Masks/Covers, Gloves shall be properly disposed off by the pilgrims at the assigned/designated dustbins, spitting is strictly prohibited, pilgrims shall furnish their contactable details wherever asked by the officials on duty.
“Pilgrims are advised not to stay at Bhawan after Darshans,” he added.