Tirupati under lockdown till August 5

Hyderabad, July 21

The Andhra Pradesh Government has imposed a complete lockdown in the temple town of Tirupati to curb the rapid surge in Covid-19 cases. According to the state government, everything will remain shut till August 5, after which a review will be held to decide the further course of action by the Chittoor district administration.

The administration has, however, exempted pilgrims proceeding to the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at nearby Tirumala from the lockdown. This despite the fact that many people connected with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam that runs the management of the temple have tested positive for Covid-19.

Vegetable and grocery stores have been permitted to open between 6 am and 10 am daily, while all commercial establishments would remain closed. — TNS