Kumbh Mela might become COVID-19 'super spreader', says Central govt official

The ongoing Kumbh Mela might become a coronavirus "super spreader", a senior Central government official said at a secretary-level meeting to assess the pandemic situation on Monday.

According to news agency ANI, during a high-level meeting, a member had said if the government does not decide to end Kumbh before the stipulated time, it may become a COVID-19 'super spreader'.

Recently, a news report had said many devotees who arrived in Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela did not carry their coronavirus report. A negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours before arrival was made mandatory for devotees gathering for the Kumbh by the Uttarakhand High Court.

A team will be formed which will appeal to people, with the help of sadhus and religious leaders, to wear masks and follow social distancing, ANI quoted a source as saying. "At the same time, the government also suggested that a message should be given through TV and radio, and posters should be put up at public places to create awareness amongst masses that the pandemic is not over yet," the source said.

Meanwhile, NITI Aayog member V.K. Paul, on being asked if Kumbh Mela can be a super spreader, said, "We hope that the SOP issued for Kumbh Mela is being followed."

A total of 38 temporary hospitals with the deployment of 200 doctors and 1,500 paramedical staff have been operationalised for devotees in the Mela area.

—With PTI inputs