‘No change in lockdown restrictions in Odisha Capital’

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police today said there is no change tomorrow in connection with restrictions due to the lockdown imposed by the government to contain the spread of deadly COVID-19.

Shops selling fertiliser, pesticide, animal feed, agricultural equipment will continue to be closed. This apart, shops selling cement, paint, iron etc will remain closed. Repair shops will remain closed, said Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi.
Emergency repairs of AC, refigetrator etc will be allowed to open by dial 100 only.

He further said for the state government employees in Bhubaneswar, they are requested to show identity card and a letter from head of office mobilising for duty so that police personnel will let them go. There is no vehicle pass is required for the State government employees.

For Central government employees in Bhubaneswar, as per MHA order, all officers above the rank of Deputy Secretary will attend office. Others will be limited to 30%. They will be allowed to go to office by showing identity card. No vehicle pass is required, the Police Commissioner added.

IT and ITeS companies in Bhubaneswar are requested to continue with present work from home arrangement and function with a maximum of 25% staff coming to office. They will be allowed on showing company I-card and email showing that they are part of the 25% asked to come to office, he added.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Secretary tweeted, “While the agriculture sector is being cautiously opened up there will be not much change in Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack as far as rhythm of lives of citizens is considered. The twin cities continue to be under lockdown restrictions. Pls continue to observe stay at home & be safe!”

Following the central government guidelines, the state government has relaxed certain restrictions for agriculture and allied activities during the second phase of lockdown in the state.

As the state government has intensified sample testing in the capital city, the chief secretary informed that more than 2,500 samples were taken in 3 days.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that lockdown status will continue in the capital city to contain the spread of COVID-19 till a review of the situation.