High Court order to be implemented at Sabarimala from December 30
From December 30, only those producing COVID-19 negative certificates will be permitted entry into the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.
Though an advisory by the State Health Department stipulated production of RT-PCR results from December 27 onwards, the authorities have decided to extend its implementation on a directive by the Kerala High Court. While raising the number of permissible daily pilgrims to 5,000, the High Court also directed that COVID-19 negative certificates be insisted from devotees from December 30.
According to officials, the four days when the temple remains closed after the Mandala Puja on December 26 will be used for streamlining the RT-PCR testing facilities for the pilgrims. “They may undergo the test anywhere in Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla or Chengannur, but will have to plan the onward journey to the Nilackal base camp in a way not to miss the slots booked in the virtual queue,” said an offi