Rising COVID-19 Graph: 48-Hour Shutdown In 3 Odisha Districts From Aug 1

Bhubaneswar: Amidst rising COVID-19 graph, district administrations in Bhadrak, Bargarh, Koraput have announced 48-hour shutdown from August 1 to contain the further spread of coronavirus.

As per a notification issued by Collector-cum-chairman district Disaster Management Authority, the shutdown restrictions in entire Bhadrak revenue district will come into effect from 5 AM of August 1 to 5 AM of August 3. During the shutdown period, all other activities/ institutions including all government offices in the district shall remain closed with the following exceptions:

-All medical establishments including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, movement of ambulances and hospital personnel

-Medicine stores to remain open till 10 PM

- Medicine stores at District Headquarters Hospital and CHC to function 24x7

-Central & State government officials on emergency duty

-Petrol pumps, LPG distribution, home delivery of essential commodities, water supply, sanitation, electricity distribution, print and electronic media identified by Bhadrak SP

-Movement of goods and goods carriers whether loaded and unloaded

- All agriculture, horticulture and allied activities including opening of fertiliser and pesticide shops

-Movement of people for medical emergencies

Apart from Bhadrak, the district administration of Nabarangpur has also decided to clamp a shutdown in the entire district from August 1 till August 2 midnight. The shutdown restrictions have been imposed in the interest of public health and check the spread of COVID-19, informed Collector Ajit Mishra.

As per an official notification, no other activities will be allowed other than essential services including hospitals and emergency services.

The district administration has decided to prohibit gathering of people in public places, non-essential gatherings, seminars, workshops, marriage baarat, opera shows or any political rallies. Similarly, there will be a three-day shutdown in Bargarh district from tomorrow with restrictions on intra-district public and private transport.

All the shops and commercial establishments, government and private institutions and movement and assembly of people will be completely restricted. However, several essential services like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, petrol pumps, milk booths, ATMs, home delivery of food items including grocery, vegetables, fruits will be allowed. Sale of vegetables, fruits, bread, biscuits allowed between 6 AM and 9 AM. Shops selling seeds, fertilisers will be allowed to remain open till 1 PM.

A three-day shutdown has also been clamped in Malkangiri municipality and Balimela NAC area from today. The shutdown has been ordered in view of the rising COVID-19 positive cases in the district. The shutdown restrictions will remain in force till Sunday (August 3) midnight, district administration officials said.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)

Also Read: Odisha’s COVID-19 Fatality Rate 3rd Lowest In Country: Health Ministry