The Odisha government on Tuesday extended the lockdown restrictions in the State till June 1 to arrest the steady surge in cases of Covid-19 in the State.
The two-week lockdown enforced in the State on May 5 was set to end on May 19 but after thorough consultation with health experts, the government has extended the lockdown for two more weeks.
Sources said the State had exhibited a Test Positivity Rate (TPR) of 20 % but after nearly two weeks of lockdown, the TPR has now dipped to 18.2%.
This apart, in another major development, the government has revised the period of relaxation for availing of essential commodities from 6 am to 12 pm daily to 7 am to 11 am.
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The weekend shutdown will however continue as usual. Tighter restrictions will be clamped during the weekends and violators will be strictly dealt with, Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra informed through a press meet.
Offices in private/ corporate and civil society sector shall work with reduced manpower, preferably at 33% of their staff strength. Government offices will function with not more than 10% staff.
While earlier a total of 50 people were allowed for participating in marriage functions, the government has now reduced the number of participants to a total of 25 people including the bride and groom. Public partaking of food in any social function like funerals, marriages will not be allowed, informed Mohapatra.
Panchayati Raj institutions like Sarpanchs have been given responsibilities to keep the spread in the pandemic under check in rural areas.
A massive door-to-door survey will be carried out in rural pockets in the next three months and testing will be carried out in suspected cases.
During the period, vaccination shall continue in places as notified by the State Health Department. People intimated for the vaccination can travel to the Covid vaccination centres on their own.
People interested to get tested for Covid will also be allowed to travel to designated places on their own convinience but in adherence to Covid protocols.
Inter and intra State public transport except for emergency and permitted activities, educational institutions, all kinds of trade and fairs, cinema halls, open-air theatres, parks gyms, barber shops and all related places and activities prohibited.
All religious, social, political gatherings banned during the period.
All Health Services including AYUSH to remain functional.
All agricultural activities to remain functional.
All industries operating in both urban and rural areas are allowed to operate.
All construction activities and associated movement of vehicle/labourers in both urban and rural areas permitted.