Odisha Channel Bureau
Bhubaneswar: In pursuance with the revised guidelines issued by the Centre, the Odisha government on Monday issued guidelines that shall remain in force till September 30 for containment of COVID-19 in the State.
According to the order issued by State Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy, lockdown shall be enforced within the containment zones till September end. The containment zones shall be demarcated by the local authorities in according with the Centre’s guidelines.
No authority shall impose any local lockdown at district, sub-division city or below level outside the containment zones. However, wherever required in the interest of containment of the disease restrictions on mobility, congregation, operation of shops and establishments, offices and other activities may be imposed in consultation with the Central government, the order said.
The religious places/places of worship will remain closed throughout the State till September 30, according to the order passed by Tripathy.
Cinema halls, swimming polls, entertainment complexes, theatres, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will also remain closed in the State till September end.
However, open air theatres, social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other large congregations will be permitted with effect from September 21.
Schools, colleges, universities other educational training/coaching institutions, anganwadis will remain closed for the purpose of teaching till end of Puja vacations in the month of October.
The order stated that all offices of State and Central government and in private sector must ensure adherence to the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the State Health Department on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in offices.
The directives for use of face coverings/masks will remain compulsory in public places, work places and in public transport. Individuals must maintain minimum distance of six feet in public places.
Marriage related gatherings shall not exceed 50 persons and funeral rites related gatherings shall not exceed 20 persons, according to the order.
The order advised persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years against outdoor movement, except for essential and health purposes till September end.
