New Jallikattu rules in Tamil Nadu amid Omicron surge. Details here

The Tamil Nadu government today issued new guidelines for Jallikattu events amid rise in number of Covid cases. As per the latest guidelines, only 150 spectators or 50% of seating capacity will be allowed - whichever is less. Also, carrying either a full vaccination certificate or negative RT-PCR test report not older than 48 hours will be mandatory to attend an event.

Amid a steep rise in its coronavirus cases over the past few days, Tamil Nadu on Sunday reported 12,895 new cases while its active infections touched 51,335.

"Only the bull owner and its trainer would be allowed during the registration. Those with valid identity cards provided by the district administration, alone, will be allowed inside the arena," the GO said. Like last year, for the Jallikattu 2022, too, the government restricted the number of spectators to 150 in open spaces or 50 per cent of the seating capacity (whichever is less).

"Spectators should also produce fully vaccinated against COVID-19 certificate and RT-PCR negative report, two days before the event," the government order said and added that strict social distancing norms will be enforced.

It further directed the organisers and the participants to refrain from harming the bulls that take part in Jallikattu.

"Owing to COVID-19, only 300 tamers would be allowed to participate in the Jallikattu, Manjuvirattu and Vadamadu," it said.