As there is only one day left for the opening of Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple in Kerala, for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, the state government stating the elaborate arrangements said that every possible measure has been taken to ensure that no COVID-19 patient reaches the hill shrine for the pilgrimage. ALSO READ | UP Assembly Elections: Akhilesh Yadav Hints Tie Up With Uncle Shivpal, 'In Talks With Smaller Parties For Alliance'

In order to regulate the heavy rush, the entire pilgrimage would be through the virtual queue system this time, said Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, after a high-level meeting of officials to review the final preparations at the temple on Friday.

In order to ensure smooth pilgrimage in the wake of the pandemic, detailing various measures taken by the government, Surendran said each pilgrim, visiting the shrine, should carry a COVID negative certificate, taken within the last 24 hours.

At the base camps of Pampa and Nilakkal, Covid-19 testing kiosks will be opened to help devotees to carry out the test before beginning the trekking.

Meanwhile, the health department in the state would be arranging for antigen tests in various centers including, all bus stands and railway stations at Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruvalla,Chengannur, and Kottayam, where pilgrims arrive to proceed to the Lord Ayyappa temple, the minister further added.

Steps would be taken to ensure social distancing while allowing pilgrims for darshan.

According to the minister, a specific place would be marked for each devotee, and those aged between 60- 65 years should submit a medical fitness certificate upon arrival.

Those testing positive for the viral infection, including those from other states, would be given adequate treatment until they turn negative. Treatment can be given in either government or private hospitals as per the demand of the pilgrims.

Arrangements including the ambulance facility have been arranged in the government medical colleges as well as private hospitals in the districts of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam.

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Though mask is not mandatory for pilgrims while trekking, the minister made it clear that the relaxation was according to the protocol that provided exemption during high physical activity, but devotees should follow strict COVID protocol.

Arrangements would be made to collect and recycle it, provided used masks should not be thrown away.

The two-month-long annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku season at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple, located in Pathanamthitta district, would begin on November 16.