72-Hour Shutdown In Rayagada After Big Spike In COVID-19 Cases

Rayagada: A 72-hour shutdown has been declared in Rayagada following a spike of 164 COVID-19 positive cases in the district in the last 24 hours. Rayagada Collector Pramod Kumar Behera today informed that the shutdown will come in to force in the district from tomorrow.

Despite registering the biggest single-day spike, Behera informed that there is nothing to panic as two lots of swab samples were sent to RMRC in Bhubaneswar for COVID-19 test.

“The shutdown will remain in force till Tuesday (August 4) and all non-essential services will remain closed during the period,” said Behera.

As per Behera, the weekend shutdown will be applicable till August 16 from tomorrow. On other days, only shops selling essential groceries and other items will remain open till 2 PM. All the non-essential shops and markets will remain closed.

The COVID-19 tally in Rayagada district reached 897 after the detection of 164 new positives on Saturday. The active cases in the district now stand at 450.

Of the 164 new cases, six COVID Warriors in Rayagada have tested positive for coronavirus. With this, 141 COVID Warriors have contracted the virus in the district so far.

“All the new COVID-19 positive cases have been detected from 17 containment zones. Hence, there is no threat of further spread,” said Behera.

Meanwhile, the district headquarters hospital will remain closed for two days as some of its staff have tested positive for the virus. Only emergency services and casualty wing at the hospital will remain functional. The OPD at the hospital will also remain shut for 48-hours.

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)

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