The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to restrict the entry of devotees into the 12th century shrine once a week in the wake of a surge in coronavirus cases in Odisha.

Sources said the restriction on entry will be imposed every Sunday to disinfect the temple premises. The temple witnesses heavy rush of devotees on Sundays.

SJTA chief administrator Dr Krishan Kumar said: “The temple will be disinfected once a week. The administration will announce the closure day once a week for devotees soon and it will be notified.”

Officials said the decision to close the temple for devotees once a week will be implemented from April 1.

Taking in account the sudden spurt in Covid cases, the state government has restricted the number of guests in social events. According to the new guidelines, the number of guests in a marriage function has been reduced from 500 to 200 and no more than 50 people are allowed to attend funeral ceremonies and last rites. The restrictions were announced by the special relief commissioner in a notification. The state government has already banned the celebration of Holi in public places.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has asked the administration and the police to enforce Covid guidelines, including the compulsory use of masks, strictly to prevent a second wave of coronavirus in the state. The number of new Covid cases in the state has touched 100.

Following the state government’s tough stand on the issue, the Malkangiri district administration has imposed night curfew to prevent congregation of people during the ongoing tribal festival between 9pm and 6am till March 31.

Similarly, the administration of Ganjam, which had reported the highest number of Covid cases last year, has made it mandatory for people entering the district from outside to inform the local authorities. The returnees will have to undergo a medical check-up.