KATHMANDU: Lord Jagannath Temple of Odisha is to remain closed for devotees from January 10 till January 31, said Puri Collector Samarth Verma yesterday in view of the current COVID-19 situation.

The Indian government decided to close colleges, universities and technical education institutions in the state from January 10.

Thousands of Nepali pilgrims visit religious sites in India every year. Nepali pilgrims scheduled to visit various pilgrimages sites, including Odisha’s Jagannath temple, are advised to review their plans keeping in mind the rising infections of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India.

As per the official order issued by Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha, “All colleges, universities and technical educational institutions other than medical colleges, nursing colleges and institutions under the control of Health and Family Welfare Department under the superintendence of Government of Odisha shall remain closed with effect from January 10, 2022.”

It further said that the authorities of colleges, universities and technical educational institutions shall take all appropriate measures for conducting classes through online, virtual, video and other alternative methods of learning.

“All hostels in such academic institutions shall also remain closed with effect from January 10, 2022. Students shall be advised to avoid staying in the hostel in the interest of their personal health. However, scholars, researchers and students who desire to stay in the hostel for research/project works or other academic activities may be permitted to do so, subject to the student giving an undertaking to that effect to the appropriate authorities of the concerned institutions,” the order read.

However, all ongoing offline examinations shall be allowed to continue as per the program by complying with COVID appropriate behavior.

“Teaching and non-teaching employees of colleges, universities and technical educational institutions shall work as per prevailing guidelines for government servants and perform duty such as taking online classes, academic, semi-academic and administrative functions, among others. as assigned to them by the authorities,” said the order.

The order further said added coaching institutions, organizations, or individuals offering coaching services to students shall not run off-line, physical coaching, or classes. However, virtual or online coaching shall be permitted to continue.

Amid such orders by the local authority, prospective Nepali pilgrims are advised to revise their scheduled plans to visit various religious sites in India.