COVID J&K issues new guidelines for Vaishno Devi pilgrims

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government on October 22 issued fresh guidelines to regulate pilgrims at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine to prevent COVID-19 spread.
The fresh COVID-19 guidelines for Vaishno Devi pilgrims were issued after a detailed review was held of the current coronavirus situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
At the review meet it was observed that COVID-19 containment measures remain crucial to curb spread even now.
So, the Jammu and Kashmir government has made valid and verifiable RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) reports not older than 72 hours of arrival mandatory for all pilgrims.
Here are the key guidelines that have been issued to regulate COVID-19 spread at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine:
Strict adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour/SOP must be followed.
Valid and verifiable RT-PCR/Rapid Antigen Test not older than 72 hours of arrival should be made mandatory.
Only those pilgrims will be allowed to visit the shrine who do not show any COVID-19 related symptoms.
The premises of the holy shrine should be properly sanitised as per COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has already made at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for entering shopping malls, restaurants, and government offices, and to board public transport.
Also, night curfew from 8 pm to 7 am continues to be imposed across all districts of the union territory.