Plan to curb pilgrim visits from outside during weekends

Thousands thronging pilgrimage places a cause for concern as COVID-19 test positivity rate is increasing

With a gradual increase in test positivity rate (TPR) in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and neighbouring Kasaragod in Kerala reporting 10% test positivity rate, the Dakshina Kannada district administration is contemplating introducing more restrictions. It is likely to stop the visits of people from other parts of the State to religious places in Dakshina Kannada during the weekends. Responding to Puttur MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor’s demand for further relaxations in COVID-19 norms in the light of festivals and other religious functions from August at the quarterly Karnataka Development Plan meeting here, Deputy Commissioner K.V. Rajendra said that the TPR was at 1.7% last week in the Dakshina Kannada. However, it rose to 2.59% on Sunday, while it reached 4% in Udupi district. The Government Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru continues to receive complicated COVID-19 cases, he said. Congregation of devotees from other districts at pilgrimage centres during weekends is a matter of concern, Dr. Rajendra said. Loads of devotees arrived at Kukke Subrahmanya and Dharmasthala on Saturday and Sunday last and there is a need to prevent such gatherings.