Bhubaneswar: Opera parties and open air thatres can perform their show with a cap of maximuim 2000 audiences amid strict adherence to Covid-19 norms as the Odisha government issued fresh guidelines for March 2021 on Saturday.
In its order, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), however, has empowerd the local administration to take a call on all entertainment activities in their respective areas.
Side by side, hosts of marriage and funeral events will have to provide masks to the participants who should not exceed more than 500, the order read. They will ensure proper use of masks by the guests during the entire duration of the function.
"Open air/ Jatra/Operas shall be permitted by the local authorities subject to compliance of Covid -19 safety protocols such as mandatory wearing of face masks, physical distancing, provision of thermal scanning. Keeping the size of the ground/space in view , appropriate number of persons (subject to a celling of 2000 persons) will be allowed," the order read.
For Jatra and open air events, the organisers have to arrange multiple ticket counters and ensure online booking to avoid crowd. The organisers will be held responsible for violation of any of the norms prescribed by the government, SRC letter stated.
Ailing audiences having raspiratory disease, influenza and Covid-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the jatra ground.
The guidelines further said that the School and Mass Education Department has been authorized to develop a detailed SOPs for the reopening of primary schools. The department may allow examination for 9th and 11th standards giving an option to the students for online examinations.
The new guidelines have empowered local administration to take a call on worship in religious places, based on the assessment of Covid-19 status in their respective area.
Cinema halls, theaters, parks and swimming pools are allowed to open amid strict adherence to SoPs issued by the government.
Large gathering and congregation will continue to be prohibited across the State, the letter stated.