We shall allow devotees into temples after govt's nod: Vellampalli Srinivas Rao

As part of the lockdown, the Andhra Pradesh government has been contemplating on the possibility of allowing devotees to the temples as the central government relaxed the temples from lockdown. The Andhra Pradesh government has sent a letter to the Department of Health stating that it is ready and taking care of the temples. Minister of State for Public Affairs Vellampalli Srinivasa Rao held a key meeting.

Speaking after meeting, Vellampalli said that as the centre has announced the relaxations for the temples, they are discussing the issue of allowing devotees to temples, which will come to conclusion in two to three days after discussing with the Chief Minister. He said that the guidelines have been issued on the care to be taken at the temples to prevent the spread of corona.

"Devotees are allowed to visit temples only after the thermal screening test is conducted in the temples and following physical distancing, using sanitizer and masks All the temples in AP have the same guidelines and are already applied in Tirumala. Only 300 pilgrims per hour will be allowed through the time slot," the minister said.

He said that the care taken at the temples amid severity of the coronavirus and had already sent a letter to the Department of Health for clearance.