The Odisha government on Saturday allowed Jatra, opera, drama and melody shows to operate with strict adherence to Covid norms. An order has been issued by the Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) in this regard, intending to normalise economic activities while keeping a check on the spread of Covid-19.
After the Covid outbreak, all open-air performances involving a sizeable audience were banned to prevent the spread of infection. However, this has hurt people involved in the trade, whose livelihoods depended entirely on the money earned through such an art. At present, as the Covid scenario further heads towards normalcy, the government has taken a softened stance concerning the performance of shows and art forms in public but made it mandatory to ensure compliance with all protocols.
Open Air Theatres/ Jatras /Operas will be permitted by the local authorities (District Magistrate/SP/ Municipal Commissioner or any other officer authorized) subject to compliance of Covid-19 safety protocols such as the mandatory wearing of face masks, physical distancing, provision of thermal scanning, etc. Keeping the size of the ground/ space in consideration, an appropriate number of persons (subject to a ceiling of 2000 persons) will be allowed ensuring maintenance of prescribed physical distancing norms.
“Any person violating the measures notified in the order will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and COVID-19 Regulations 2020, besides legal action under Sec. 188 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable,” the SRC order stated.