COVID-19, an infectious respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome–corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV2), has now spread to multiple countries including India. The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar which witnessed approximately 90 lakhs human footprints this year was a gigantic congregation of Hindu devotees and sages at the banks of rivers of Haridwar.
Methodology: It is a cross-sectional study based on the evidential information and documentation of data and interviews of various pilgrims travelling and returning back from Kumbh mela to thirteen districts of Uttarakhand. Concentration was mostly on two important dates 12th and 14th of June to observe the transmission, the upsurge in case positivity rate and comparing the data before, during and after the event.
Results: Kumbh Mela was found to be one of the contributing factors in upsurge of COVID 19 cases in Uttarakhand.
Conclusion: This study can channelize to comprehend the prevailing situation of an economic, social and health care crisis due to covid-19 pandemic. An empathetic consideration from such situation will help us to take necessary precautions for the upcoming third wave of Covid-19. Large social and religious gatherings should be monitored properly to protect from prevailing infectious spread from happening.
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