Odisha Govt Extends Lockdown Till June 1 To Contain Covid Surge - Check What's Allowed, What's Not

As per the new order, there shall be a complete shutdown on weekends starting 6 p.m. on Friday till 5 a.m. on Monday. The government has, however, allowed all shops selling essential commodities to open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Roads look deserted due to lockdown imposed in Odisha's capital city Bhubaneswar. (File Photo/ Getty)

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Odisha Government on Tuesday extended the 14-day lockdown imposed earlier on May 5 till 5 a.m. on June 1.

As per the new order, there shall be a complete shutdown on weekends starting 6 p.m. on Friday till 5 a.m. on Monday.

The government has, however, allowed all shops selling essential commodities to open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The street corner/road-side shops/stand-alone shops dealing with food and essential items, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and milk are allowed to operate on weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., said the order, adding such shops shall maintain a minimum 30 feet shop to shop distance.

The order further said the shopkeepers and buyers shall mandatorily abide by the Covid safety protocols like social distancing, use of mask. The local authorities have been asked to demarcate areas for this purpose.

All health services, including Ayush, such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and telemedicine facilities shall remain functional.

The government has also given its nod to the movement (inter and intra state, including by air) of all medical and veterinary personnel, scientists, nurses, para-medical staff, lab technicians, mid-wives and other hospital support services, including ambulances.

With a view to facilitating, smooth movement of oxygen tankers/oxygen cylinders/vehicles carrying Covid-19 emergency materials for management of Covid-19 in the state, such vehicles shall not be delayed at the toll collection gates.

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A green corridor hall be made available at the toll gates for hassle free and smooth movement of such vehicles. The toll due shall be collected by a special service so as to allow the vehicles to pass within five minutes maximum.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)/Works Department, Government of Odisha/any other agency managing the toll gates across the state shall put notice to this effect conspicuously at the toll gates for information of all concerned, said the order.

The government has reduced the number of participants at a wedding ceremony from 50 to 25.

All religious places/places of worship shall be closed for public. However, religious rituals are allowed with bare minimum priests/servitors and staff. Religious congregations are strictly prohibited.

Anybody found violating the restrictions during the weekends will be strictly dealt with, said the order.