Odisha extends partial lockdown until August 1, permits intra-state bus companies

By Express News Service
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha authorities on Thursday prolonged the partial lockdown until the morning of August 1 with extra rest to livelihood actions.

Announcing the choice, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra mentioned although the take a look at positivity charge (TPR) within the State has come down from 5% to three% within the final 15 days, the state of affairs in three coastal districts of Cuttack, Khurda, and Puri has not improved proportionately.

While the variety of coronavirus optimistic instances detected every day earlier than June 1 was round 3,000, it has declined to round 2,000. However, a majority of the instances (round 70 to 80%) are reported from the ten coastal districts clubbed in Category-B with Cuttack, Khurda, and Puri districts contributing 40% to the caseload.

“As the Covid situation in the coastal district is still not under control, the State government has decided to extend the partial lockdown for two more weeks. The weekend shutdowns will continue in the 10 coastal districts and night curfew will remain in force across the state. The weekend shutdowns have been lifted in 20 districts stacked in Category-A,” Mahapatra mentioned.

He mentioned the 20 southern and western districts and 10 coastal districts will stay in Category-A and Category-B respectively. However, there shall be a better diploma of rest for livelihood actions.

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All outlets besides malls are allowed to open from 6 am to eight pm in Category-A districts as in opposition to 6 am to six pm earlier, whereas the timing for Category-B districts has been additional prolonged by three hours — from 6 am to five pm. Earlier, it was from 6 am to 2 pm.

In a serious improvement, the State authorities has eliminated the restriction on public transport companies. Intra-state motion of buses has been allowed from July 16 together with taxis and auto-rickshaws whereas the embargo on inter-state motion will proceed until additional order, the Chief Secretary mentioned.

There is sweet information for health lovers. The authorities has given permission for the opening of gyms and outside sporting actions sans the group. Spa and sweetness parlours have been allowed with strict adherence to Covid pointers.

However, parks and cinema halls will stay closed. Restriction on indoor capturing for the movie has been lifted in coastal districts. Earlier, the federal government had lifted the restriction within the Category-B districts.

The Chief Secretary mentioned that weekly and every day haats within the coastal districts will stay closed until August 1.

All instructional establishments, teaching centres, non secular establishments of the state may even stay closed and restrictions on social, political, and non secular gatherings shall be in pressure like earlier than.