Bhubaneswar: Amid the steep rise in the Covid-19 cases, the Odisha government has declared a 14-day lockdown in the State from May 5.
The lockdown will come into effect from Wednesday morning, May 5 to Wednesday morning, May 19, said the State Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department.
During this time, people can walk 500 meters between 6 am and 12 pm to buy vegetables, added the I&PR department.
However, there are no restrictions on health care or other emergency services.
“There will be complete shutdown on Saturdays & Sundays during the 14-day lockdown in Odisha. Vaccination and testing will continue during lockdown. Those people who have registered for vaccination can visit the nearest centre,” said State Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra.
As Pipili by-poll is on the cards, election related activities and movements have been exempted from the lockdown and the shutdown, stated Mohapatra.
“Sarpanchs need to ensure those coming from outside must stay in home isolation or Covid centre so that they don’t spread the virus. Sarpanchs also need to create awareness among people,” added the Chief Secretary.
“In view of the present situation in the State, we can break the chain only if all will cooperate and follow the guidelines. It’s a war-like situation and we are forced to take such a decision to contain the spread of the virus,” said the CS.