Odisha: Weekend shutdown lifted; COVID-19 enforcement to get stricter

Bhubaneswar: Weekend shutdown has been lifted in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack in Odisha. However, lockdown restrictions will be imposed during Saturdays and Sundays till July 31, informed Twin City Commissioner of Police, Sudhanshu Sarangi today.

The police official further informed that no one will be allowed to enter or go out of the two cities except for emergency cases, for which pass can be obtained through SMS by dialling 100.

Emphasizing strict enforcement of lockdown, Sarangi advised the denizens of the cities to visit nearest grocery stores and not to use vehicles for shopping. Motorcycle, if found being used for shopping purposes, will be seized by police, he said.

The police official also urged people not to misuse their identity cards during the shutdown. Staffers of hospitals, medicine stores can show their ID cards at checkpoints for commuting.

He also requested media houses to function with minimum possible manpower and informed that journalists can produce their ID cards at checkpoints for hassle-free movement. Sarangi also warned of stringent action against those using fake/invalid press ID cards.

Banks and IT/ITES companies have been asked to function with a manpower of 25 and 10 per cent, respectively at offices. The employees need to show ID cards and mobilisation letter/e-mail issued by the concerned authorities/bank branch managers while commuting, he said.

Also read-  Odisha: What’s Allowed, What’s Not During 15-Day Lockdown In These Areas.