Schools, colleges shut as Covid cases rise in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: At a time when there has been surge in Covid cases in Odisha, the State government today issued a fresh set of guidelines starting from 5 AM of January 7, 2022 to 5 AM of February 1, 2022.

Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena said night curfew will be imposed in urban areas of the State from 9 PM to 5 AM. Currently, the night curfew is being in force every day from 10 PM to 5 AM.

He further stated the Class 10 summative exam will continue as per the schedule. But physical classroom teaching at schools and colleges in the State for classes up to Class 12 will remain suspended. However, online classes will continue.

Jena also said schools and colleges can organize doubt clearing classes for students of Class 10 and 12 after getting consent from their parents.

The State government decreased the limits of attendees at marriage and thread ceremony functions from 250 to 100 whereas maximum 50 people can participate in death rituals. The number persons who can participate in marriage procession has been limited to 30, Jena added.

“Business establishments such as shops, malls and shopping complexes will remain open till 9 PM. It will be the responsibility of shops and mall owners to ensure that their business establishments are not crowded. If they don’t ensure adherence of the directive, their business establishments will be sealed for 7 days and further action will be initiated,” Jena added.

The SRC said the Odisha government offices will run with 50% capacity from next week and the General Administration and Public Grievance department will issue an standard operating procedure (SOP) in connection with this later.

He also asked private organisations to work with minimal staff and promote work-from-home facility.

In last 24 hours, a total of 1,216 Covid cases were reported in the State today.