Two days ahead of Mahakumbh, Rishikesh and Haridwar emerged as COVID-19 hotspots.

More cases were reported in Haridwar ahead of Kumbh Mela, but other states also witnessed a steep increase in COVID-19 cases.

More cases were reported in Haridwar ahead of Kumbh Mela, but other states also witnessed a steep increase in COVID-19 cases.On March 21, the Press Information Bureau released a letter from Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary, stating that the government was concerned about a possible increase in COVID-19 cases during the Mahakumbh. It ordered the Uttarakhand government to take strict steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the religious gathering in Haridwar, which began on April 1.

Experts say Haridwar and Rishikesh emerged as hotspots for the coronavirus infection in Uttarakhand. The state sees an increase in COVID-19 cases, with many tourists testing positive ahead of the Kumbh Mela at the end of March 2021.

According to the Hindustan Times, about 76 people tested positive for COVID-19 infection among tourists at a five-star hotel in Rishikesh, prompting the administration to close the hotel for three days for sanitization. It was previously recorded that 22 tourists from Gujarat who came to Rishikesh tested positive for COVID-19.

The Union Health Ministry has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Kumbh and urged the Uttarakhand government to follow them strictly.