Odisha – 14 Day Lockdown from May 5th Onwards

 

According to an official order, the Odisha's government declared a 14-day lockdown from May 5^th to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the state. Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra said in a video message that the state would be under lockdown from May 5 (5 a.m.) to May 19^th.

He added that, in addition to the lockout, the weekend closure in metropolitan areas would be in effect until May 15^th. Except for medical outlets and clinics, anything else is banned during the weekend closure.

Mahapatra said, "Even though nobody wanted this strict enforcement, the government has imposed lockdown to protect people and their lives from the pandemic. The lockdown is primarily aimed at restricting the movement of persons. Movement of goods and goods carriers will not be affected by the lockdown.”

Regarding the ongoing vaccination campaign, Mr Mahapatra stated that vaccination will continue, subject to availability and that all eligible individuals should travel to COVID vaccination centers (CVC) on their own. Following the guidelines, such person(s) will be permitted to travel to the specified CVCs in their vehicles/taxis/auto rickshaws.

Similarly, individuals who must undergo coronavirus testing will be permitted to travel to designated government/private COVID testing centers. Buses for public transportation would not be allowed to travel during the lockout, according to the order. All educational, training, and coaching institutions, as well as other organizations, will remain closed.

 

Exhibits, trade shows, meals, and physical business-to-business gatherings have also been banned. Such operations, on the other hand, can be carried out virtually. Salons, barbershops, spas, beauty parlours, and other commercial establishments will continue to be banned. All social, political, sporting, and entertainment events, as well as academic, cultural, religious, and other gatherings, are also prohibited.

With the approval of local authorities, the government has allowed marriages and funeral-like activities. AYUSH, nursing homes, telemedicine centers, dispensaries, chemists, pharmacies, medical equipment stores, and laboratories must all continue to operate. Personnel working in such facilities are free to move about. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other financial institutions will continue to function.

During this time, public utility services such as oil, gas, and telecommunication have been permitted. The Odisha government has permitted shops such as ration shops (under the Public Distribution System) and neighbourhood/ roadside/ street corner shops dealing with food grocery, fruits, and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat and fish, animal feed & fodder seeds fertilizers and pesticides, as well as related activities.

The shops are permitted to open between the hours of 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. on weekdays (Monday through Friday) and must maintain a minimum shop-to-shop distance of 30 feet. Weekly and daily hats, on the other hand, will remain closed, according to a government order released on Sunday. Takeaway and home delivery will be the only options for restaurants and dhabas. Hotels will only cater to in-house visitors, although media companies can continue to operate.

During the 14-day lockdown, garages and auto repair shops are still permitted to operate. Activities in the agricultural and allied sectors will continue. Moreover, during the lockdown, manufacturing and building work will continue.