Even as the nation drifts into ‘Unlock 1.0’, the Odisha government is in no rush to open up economic activity in the state. Earlier today, at a time when India began easing restrictions nationwide, the state announced that things will remain as it is in the containment zones until the end of June. A complete shutdown on weekends has also been declared in 11 districts all through June.
Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy confirmed that all shops in these 11 districts would remain shut on Saturdays and Sundays except for petrol pumps, hospitals, medicine stores among other essential services.
Included in these 11 districts is Khurda, the coastal districts of Ganjam, Kendrapara, Puri, and other infected areas such as Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Bolangir.
The state government has also confirmed that places of worship, shopping malls, cinema halls, gymnasiums, and swimming pools will remain closed till June 30, even though the centre has allowed the opening of these places in phases starting June 8. Schools, colleges, and coaching centres would remain shut in the state till July 31.
In a move that will come as a relief to the hospitality sector, the state has allowed hotels to function at 30% capacity, while restaurants can continue to provide takeaway and delivery services.
Meanwhile, night curfew will continue to be enforced between 7 pm and 5 am till the end of the month. Penalty for individuals not wearing face masks and spitting in public places has also been increased.
“People, who’re found not wearing face masks in public places, will be fined Rs 500 for the first two offences and the fine will be increased to Rs 1,000 for the subsequent violation. Spitting in public places will lead to arrest,” said Abhay, Director General of Police.
“We have been observing that people have become carefree as if we’ve developed an immunity to SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19. However, we need to be extremely cautious all through June. We’ll strictly enforce the guidelines to prevent the spread of the viral outbreak,” he added.