Odisha announces phased UNLOCK; fresh guidelines issued

Bhubaneswar: After a 17-day extended lockdown to check spread of COVID-19, Odisha Government today began unlock process in phased manner.

All essential services, transport of goods, industrial activities, construction activities will now be allowed. But public bus services will be restricted in the state. All restrictions regarding marriage, cremation, meetings, social gatherings, opening of temples will continue as before.

All shops, including those in market complexes  will remain open from 6 am to 5 pm in 17 districts. 

The 17 districts (under Category A) include southern and western parts, where the Test Positivity Rate is 5 % or less. The districts are Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, Subarnapur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada.

Street vending for take away will be allowed only in these 17 districts.

The remaining 13 districts, under Category B,  include coastal areas having more positivity rate. They are Khordha, Puri, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Kedrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar. Shops only dealing with essential services will open between 6 am and 1 pm in these districts.

As per the fresh guidelines, people will be allowed for physical fitness activities like morning walk and cycling. However, parks and gyms will continue to remain closed. Keeping in view the livelihood of milk farmers, the Govt has decided to open sweet shops. However, they can only give parcels. Cycle sale and automobile repair shops will also open.

However, weekend shutdown will continue in all districts.

Also Read: Will COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions In Odisha Be Lifted? Announcement Today

Earlier, Government top officials had informed that lockdown restrictions will be eased in districts, where the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) remains below 5 per cent.