Bhubaneswar: When the Odisha government expects the Covid situation will improve in coming 10 days as there has been decline in test positivity rate (TPR) in the State to 14%, it extended the period of lockdown further considering the prevailing situation.
According to the Special Relief Commissioner’s order, the ongoing state-wide lockdown has been extended for another 16 days till 5 AM on June 17, 2021. Earlier, the government had imposed the state-wide lockdown till 5 AM on June 1, 2021. The lockdown has been extended for third time in the State.
The SRC order further stated there will be complete shutdown on weekends starting 6 PM on Fridays till 5 AM on Mondays.
Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra said the decision to extend the state-wide lockdown has been taken as the TPR is still not below 10% in the State.
“The lockdown is primarily aimed at restricting movement of persons. Movement of goods and goods carriers shall not be affected by the lockdown,” the SRC order mentioned.
As per the availability of vaccines, the vaccination drive will continue at the Covid vaccination centres during the lockdown period. Eligible persons will be allowed to travel to the designated covid vaccination centres in their vehicles or taxis or auto-rickshaws by following the guidelines during the lockdown, the order stated.