COVID-19: Temples, mosques, religious places to reopen in Rajasthan from Sep 7

Jaipur: Almost six months after temples, mosques and other religious places were closed in the wake of COVID-19 spread, the Rajasthan government said they would be allowed to reopen from September 7. The management will need to ensure that social distancing guidelines are followed by the devotees. The decision has come at a time when the coronavirus is spreading at a record pace in the state, particularly its capital city Jaipur. Over 295 cases were reported in Jaipur on Wednesday.

Chief minister Ashok Gehlot gave his nod to this during a COVID-19 review meeting. He said that the district collectors and SPs will need to personally visit prominent religious places in their jurisdictional area and review the arrangements made by the management to ensure various guidelines including social distancing and masks.

Gehlot said that while the decision to reopen the religious places has been taken by the government, the people should try to offer prayers at home for the time being.

“The management committee will need to ensure that the devotees are following social distancing guidelines and are also wearing masks,” said Gehlot.

The virus is spreading at an alarming rate in some cities including Jaipur and Jodhpur. Over 304 people tested positive for the virus in Jodhpur on Wednesday. It is for the first time that the count has crossed 300-mark in a single day. Jaipur reported 295 cases.

Ex-tourism minister Vishvendra Singh is among some high-profile politicians who have tested positive for the virus.