Till now there are nine positive cases of COVID-19 in Pathanamthitta district, according to officials, OnManorama has reported.

Pathanamthitta: The Kerala government on Friday has issued an advisory for not allowing the pilgrims to the Lord Ayyappa temple premises at Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district for the annual festival beginning on March 29, to curb the possible corona virus spread.

The Guruvayur Lord Krishna temple at Thrissur will also remain closed for devotees from March 21 until further notice.

However both the temples will continue their rituals and poojas but will remain closed for the devotees.

Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, said in a release that the hilltop shrine will be opened from March 28 for the ten-day festival. The festival will be ending on April 7,

“The decision was taken after the district collector, who is also the district Disaster Management Authority chairman, submitted a report suggesting restricting the devotees from visiting Sabarimala temple due to the increasing cases of COVID-19 in the country,” the release said.

Nine positive cases of COVID-19 has been reported in Pathanamthitta district till now, according to officials.

Guruvayur temple sources on Friday said it will not allow devotees inside the temple from March 21 as part of the government’s instructions to restrict devotees to prevent spreading of COVID-19.

Image source: thehindu.com