RT-PCR report or jab must for pilgrims visiting Himachal

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 7

Amid the fear of the third wave, the government has made it mandatory for all pilgrims, wanting to pay obeisance at various shrines, to carry a negative RT-PCR report or a vaccination certificate of both shots.

The Disaster Management Cell of the Revenue Department has issued an order, saying that anyone wanting to visit a shrine during the Shrawan Navratras from August 9 will be allowed entry to the state only if they are in possession of negative RT-PCR reports, not older than 72 hours or final certificates of vaccination.

With a rise in the number of active cases to almost 2,000 within a short span, the Health and Family Welfare Department has made preparations. Directions have been issued to ensure that there is no overcrowding at shrines and is provision for thermal scanning and proper sanitisation.

“There has been a surge in the cases and to break the transmission chain, the restrictions will have to be put in place,” the order read. The government has already made it mandatory for tourists to carry a negative RT-PCR report or final vaccination certificates in view of the rise in cases in July.

The state has 926 ventilators of which 826 are installed. There are a total of 1,239 cylinders while work is on to install oxygen plants and also enhance the testing facility.

Also separate ICUs for children below 18 years have been set up. The Health Department has also stocked medicines and equipment.

The Centre has sanctioned 28 PSA oxygen plants for Himachal. Besides, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) has decided to set up four more plants at Chopal (Shimla), Sarahan (Sirmaur), Jogindernagar (Mandi) and Dehra (Kangra) to ensure the adequate availability of oxygen.