Pathanamthitta: As many as 5,000 people will not be allowed to visit Sabarimala from today due to the non-launch of the online booking system. Though the High Court allowed the entry of 5,000 people, the virtual queue system of the police was not open till Saturday night and devotees were not likely to get a chance to see it. This time Sabarimala viewing permission has been given only to those who book online despite the Covid situation. At present, 2,000 people are allowed to visit from Monday to Friday and 3,000 on Saturdays and Sundays. At the same time, the committee chaired by the chief secretary had not earlier given permission to Sabarimala staff and police to admit more devotees in the event of Kovid confirmation. The government had directed the Ayyappans to test RTPCR, Artilamp, and Express Nat within 48 hours after December 26.
