Magh Mela 2022 could become a COVID-19 super-spreader?

Recently, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath not only allowed masses for a holy dip during Makar Sankranti at Prayagraj Sangam but also allowed a 45-day long event, 'Magh Mela', amid the Covid surge.

Now UP govt's this decision, has sparked worry as the event could become a COVID-19 super-spreader.

Though CM Yogi had appealed to people to be extra careful and follow COVID-19 protocols strictly while visiting 'Magh Mela' on Makarsankranti, the saints and devotees gathered in huge numbers at the Magh Mela premises.

And Reportedly more than 70 people were detected positive during the testing at the fair.

Interestingly, the neighbouring state Uttarakhand has banned devotees from taking a dip in Ganga in Haridwar during festivities for the safety of devotees. The Himachal Pradesh govt has also prohibited people from taking dips in rivers to mark the harvest festival, Makar Sankranti, due to the rising Covid-19 cases in the state.

Starting from Makar Sankranti the Magh Mela will continue in the poll bound state

till Mahashivratri. As a precaution, the UP govt has imposed various restrictions in the city to contain the virus, let's see how useful these restrictions will turn out to be in stopping the spread of covid 19.

Notably, UP has reportedly seen a 3,600% jump in new COVID-19 cases since January 1st.