Bhubaneswar: The detection of new variant of SARS-CoV 2 in the State has forced the Odisha government to impose restrictions on large gatherings during religious and other activities/events across the State as a precautionary measure.
After imposing restrictions on congregation during the upcoming religious festivals in April, the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on Friday issued fresh guidelines for observance of Utkal Divas ( State formation day) and related activities on April 1, 2021.
Here’s quick look at the guidelines issued by the State government for Utkal Divas:
-Large congregation for celebration of 'Utkal Divas' and associated cultural programmes shall not be allowed throughout the State.
- The official meeting/ celebration of Utkal Divas shall be made with a maximum of 200 participants.
-COVID- 19 safety protocols like social distancing, use of masks, use of soap and water/ sanitizers shall be strictly adhered to.
-Other activities during the day shall be avoided.
- Other organizations and private institutions willing to observe 'Utkal Divas' shall take prior approval from the local Administration i.e., Collector or Municipal Commissioner or any officer duly authorised by the Collector/ Municipal Commissioner in this regard, subject to the above ceiling and strictly adhering to COVID- 19 safety protocols.
“Any violation of the above condition shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Regulations issued thereunder besides initiating legal action under Section 188 of the IPC and other legal provisions as applicable,” the notification read.