Strict lockdown in this Odisha municipality for six days

Malkangiri: Strict lockdown will be imposed in Malkangiri municipality area and Balimela NAC of Odisha for six days from the midnight of July 13 to the midnight of July 19, an official order of the district administration said.

During the period, no public transport services including operation of taxis and auto-rickshaws will be permitted. The exception will include transport of all kinds to and from hospitals.

All shops, commercial establishments, offices and factories, workshops, godowns etc. will remain closed during the six-day lockdown.

People have been advised to stay indoors and come out only for basic services while strictly following social distancing guidelines.

However, essential services such as police, health, fire, electricity, water supply, banks/ATMs, media, telecom & internet, postal, e-commerce delivery of essential goods, food, groceries milk booths, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, restaurant take away, petrol stations, LPG have been excluded from the ambit of the lockdown.

The decision was taken after a rise in COVID-19 cases in Malkangiri municipality area and Balimela NAC.