Ayodhya: A priest and 14 policemen on duty at Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi complex, where the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ram temple is expected to be held on August 5, have tested positive for coronavirus.

Pradeep Das, the assistant to the chief priest said he has tested positive for coronavirus.

The policemen who tested positive were engaged in security duties at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, the temple trust said. While four of them were on permanent duty inside the complex, the rest took turns sometimes.

The priest who was tested positive was seen standing next to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during his visit to the site couple of days ago.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the ceremony along with over 50 VIPs.

The programme will go ahead as planned, maintaining all the safety rules for coronavirus, the Trust said. Currently, Ayodhya has 375 active cases of coronavirus, Uttar Pradesh has 29,997 cases.