TTD screens devotees with thermal guns to check for Coronavirus

Tirumala: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is using thermal guns to detect any suspected cases of Coronavirus even though they are neither accurate nor reliable. The virus which has spread across the globe has finally triggered the need for an instant check at airports, railway stations, and bus complexes in many countries.

Since a large number of devotees visit the hill shrine in the state, the TTD had recently imposed a ban for 28 days on devotees from abroad to prevent the spread of the virus. Over 70,000-80,000 devotees visit the temple city daily for darshan. The number doubles during auspicious days and holy rituals. For the last couple of days, around 60,000-65,000 devotees have visited the shrine over Coronavirus fears and the ongoing intermediate examinations and the upcoming SSC exams.

In the light of the first positive case registered in the state, the temple authorities decided to use thermal guns at important places like Alipiri checkpoint, Alipiri Padala Mandapam, Srivari Mettu pedestrian way, and other places. If they find any suspected symptoms of the virus, they immediately take the devotees to the Ruia Hospital in Tirupati to quarantine and screen them.

The officials have also decided to maintain hygienic conditions at Anna Prasadam complex, PACs, Vaikuntham queue complex, Kalyanakatta (tonsuring centres), and other important places. They don’t allow devotees into the rooms provided at various accommodation places without first cleaning them as per norms to prevent the virus.

Officials said Padmavathi Nilayam in Tiruchanoor will be used as an isolation ward. If necessary, they will also use choultries in Tirupati city close to the railway station and bus complex. Officials are now allowing only 250 devotees now in each compartment, a reduction from the 500 people during normal days.

(picture for demonstration purposes)