Partial lockdown in Odisha till July 16: Know details

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday extended the partial lockdown till July 16 with several relaxations.

The government tagged 20 districts under Category A and 10 districts under Category B.

Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra said Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, Sonepur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada are coming under Category A.

Khordha, Puri, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Baleswar, Bhadrak, and Mayurbhanj districts fall under Category B.

Under A category where the Test Positivity Ratio (TPR) is less than 5% buses, taxis and auto rickshaws can operate. However, drivers must be vaccinated and strict Covid protocols need to be followed.

All the shops have been allowed to open from 6 AM to 6 PM. Public transport allowed in these districts up to seating capacity only.

The daily and weekly markets will be allowed to open in these districts.

Collectors and Municipal Commissioners have been informed to ensure the appropriate distance between the vendors and implementation of Covid guidelines.

No weekend shutdown in A category districts. Outdoor film shooting and small salons will be allowed.

Night curfew have been imposed in all the districts of Odisha from 6 PM to 6 AM.

Under B category, shops are allowed to open from 6 AM to 2 PM. Shops selling essential items, such as medicine stores, can remain open after 2 PM.

The outdoor shooting for films will be allowed in 10 category-B districts.

The restrictions on weddings and funerals will continue as before, he said, adding that education and religious institutions will remain closed.

Collectors and Municipal Commissioners have been instructed to conduct surprise visits and seal the shops or market complex where violation of Covid guidelines is noticed.