Bhubaneswar: These are testing times for the people across India as they are set for a 21-day lockdown clamped by the Centre for effective tackling of the Coronavirus pandemic. In Odisha, CM Naveen Patnaik-led government has already initiated lot of proactive shutdowns to contain the spread of COVID 19.
From Janta curfew to a complete lockdown, people in Odisha are extending their support in the best possible way to fight the Coronavirus. Amid a lot of information flow through print, electronic and social media, a lot of people seem a little confused on what should be their approach and what should they do during the lockdown period.
Odisha Police has come up with answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Question: What is meant by "lockdown" as imposed by Odisha government?
Answer: It is a situation where because of a public health emergency like COVID19 all public/private offices/shops/establishments are closed by law (except those exempted) and restrictions are imposed on the movement of people.
Question: Under which law the lockdown has been ordered?
Answer: It has been ordered under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
Question: In which districts the lockdown is applicable and till when?
Answer: It is applicable for entire Odisha till March 29. (It is like to be revised in view of the revised 21-day nationwide lockdown as announced by PM Modi yesterday)
Also Read: Zero Tolerance Towards Coronavirus Lockdown Violations: Odisha Govt
Question: What will happen if you do not obey the lockdown order?
Answer: You are liable to be arrested and prosecuted under section 188,269, 270 and 271 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Question: Who are allowed to move from home to place of work?
Answer: Only those persons who are employed in the list of essential services are allowed to go for work. However, they should follow social distancing norms and not gather or travel in a group more than 7. All other citizens should remain at home and proceed to work.
Question: What should I do if I need to buy essential items?
Answer: Yes you may go to buy essential items to the store/shop in your locality. However to minimize chances of infection, either you should be alone or at the most accompanied by one family member and should follow the social distancing norm.
Question: Are religious/political/social/marriage gatherings allowed?
Answer: Any gathering in which seven or more persons are expected are not allowed.
Question: I am a businessman and my industry is not listed in the list of essential services? What should I do?
Answer: Approach your local Collector for resolution. However, you are advised to refrain from running industry if same is not categorized as essential services.
Also Read: Covid-19 Bomb Ticking In Odisha: 100 Have N-CoV Symptoms, 45 In Hospital Isolation!
Question: My child, parent or relative has to go to cities in other States for some urgent work or reach back home, what should I advise him?
Answer: Everyone should stay where they are till the lockdown is lifted.
As per the advisory of Odisha Police, people should contact State health department on 0674 2390466 or on mobile- 9439994857/ 9439994859 or dial 100 (police control room) for any COVID19 related emergency.