As per the Survey, when the workforce to population ratio in Odisha had shrunk to 31 percent in the first quarter of the year 2021 from 32.6 percent in the last quarter of 2019, the rate of unemployment in the State jumped to 13.7 percent in the first quarter of the year 2021 from 10.8 percent in the last quarter of 2019
Significantly, the years 2020 and 2021 had been the pandemic year in the State. While the year 2020 saw a very strict lockdown, a lenient lockdown was in place in the second wave.
Interestingly, the data of the first-quarter quoted in the Survey is the period when the State was having no lockdown. Odisha imposed lockdown in the second wave from the month of May 2021.
Economic Survey Measures Mayhem
A look at the Survey tabled in the Parliament today reveals that the unemployment rate in Odisha during the first wave lockdown period of April -June brimmed at a massive 22.9 percent, which means more than 2 in every 10 in the age group of 15 years and above were rendered jobless in the State.
The data collected by the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) shows that the unemployment rate eased down a bit as the State economy gradually opened up. From a high of 22.9 percent unemployment rate in 2020, the rate was measured at 13.7 in the first quarter of 2021, just before the State had enforced the second wave lockdown.
Odisha's High Unemployment Saga
Unemployment has been a perennial problem in Odisha. A glance at the PLFS data shows Odisha had a high unemployment rate of 15.7 percent in current weekly status (CWS- means an individual having no job at hand for even an hour in a week) in the first quarter of 2019.
The State has been in the top-5 states in the country having a high unemployment rate since 2017-18.
Even the Economic Survey 2020-21 tabled in Odisha Assembly the State Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari had commented the following. (See the image given below).
In 2021, the State had the second-highest unemployment rate in the country after Kerala, among the 19 major states.
Why High Job Loss In Odisha?
The Economic Survey 2021-22 has revealed that the services sector in Odisha had registered negative growth in the Financial Year 2020-21. (See the image below)
Since the services sector in Odisha takes a share of a high of 26.4 percent in the total employment generated in the State, the mayhem is visible when the sector went down weak at knees.
As per the data available, the following are the service sector that contributes highly to the employment creation in Odisha.
The Bottomline
As the above job churning sectors have recorded maximum job shedding, the onus is seemingly on the State Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari to plan out a revival package for the sub-sectors in the State to address the perennial unemployment problem.
In the process, as unorganised sector and labour class took the hit, a similar crisis struck the family of an 11-year-old boy Umashankar Choudhary.
Dipu as he is now fondly known across the alleys of the Millennium city lives with his family in Jaunliapatty area of Cuttack. He is a student of Class 5 in Municipal Model High School in Choudhury Bazar.
Cladding a half-jacket and riding a cycle laden with a bag containing a thermos kettle full of hot tea and paper cups, Dipu comes out of his house every morning and evening to sell tea in the nooks and corners of the city.
He even takes orders through his mobile phone to supply tea in several offices and business establishments.
Dipu's tale which makes it a case of child labour has however not discouraged him from supporting his family from such a tender age.
“I am not ashamed of selling tea because my conscience is clear. I am not stealing anything so why shall I feel humiliated. People say that it is a petty profession but the business helps me run my family. Therefore, I am proud of it and though it’s a tiring job, I believe that hard work will someday pay off,” said the little boy.
The residents of Cuttack also wait in queue for their turn to savour Dipu’s special tea and do not miss the chance to meet this young and strong character.
Ananda Sharma, a local resident said, “People are giving diverse comments on the little tea seller but they should know Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was also a tea seller once. Dipu's story should inspire many because, at such a tender age, he has taken the burden of his family into his shoulders.”
Dipu’s father, Suresh Choudhary was running a tea stall at Keuta Sahi in Choudhury Bazar of the city for the past 50 years. But after the imposition of lockdown last year, Suresh had to close his tea shop which pushed the family to a severe financial crisis.
Following this, little Dipu took the matter into his own hands and started selling tea visiting different places on his bicycle to support his family and to ensure he continues with his online classes.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
Reviewing the Covid-19 situation in the State, Patnaik said, “We have to strictly follow the Covid rules in order to be safe from a possible third wave.” He cautioned that minor negligence could pose a major threat to all.
“The lockdown has now been relaxed keeping in view the interests of the common man. But that doesn't mean we loosen up on the rules. The State government would be forced to impose lockdown again for collective interest if necessary,” he said.
Describing Covid appropriate behaviour as the strongest weapon to fight the pandemic, the Chief Minister said proper compliance of the guidelines is important for all.
“The children are yet to get the vaccine. So we have to be more careful for them,” he said. The CM directed educational institutions to conduct regular checks by setting up special teams.
The Chief Minister has directed the administration to keep a close watch on markets, religious institutions, healthcare institutions in order to ensure strict compliance of Covid rules.
In view of the festive season, the CM advised everyone to be more cautious. He urged citizens to wear masks, wash their hands, maintain social distance and not go into the crowd, and said, “Our responsible behaviour during the festive season will be decisive to control the third wave.”
The Light and Sound Owner’s Association of Odisha, a union of light and sound providers, has alleged that while pandemic crisis continues to haunt them for the last one and half year, the government's apathy has even compounded their misery.
"We have never been really allowed to resume operations in full-fledged manner despite relaxations to other sectors," the organisation said while demanding the State government to allow social events with festive season starting from September.
Holding a press conference in Bhubaneswar, the members of the association claimed that over 1 lakh light and sound providers across the State have been hit due to the pandemic-induced lockdown in the last 17 months.
They requested the government to allow at least a procession of 100 people under strict adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour. The body also appealed the government to allow procession during Ganesh Puja to be celebrated next month on September 10.
The association demanded that if the government doesn’t allow public gathering, it should compensate the light and sound providers with Rs 10,000 every month. The members further said that if their demands are not fulfilled soon, over 50,000 light and sound workers in the State will come out to streets and start a silent protest.
Biswaranjan Samantaray, Secretary of Light and Sound Owner’s Association of Odisha said, “The State Government allowed every sector to resume work but we have not received the permission yet. It’s been over 17 months now we are still going through unspeakable miseries. We have to bear the house rents, EMIs and other expenditures. Thousands gather in a shopping hall every day but we are just asking to permit at least 100 people during processions.”
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
In a video address to the people of the State on Wednesday evening, CM Naveen said, "We have kept a close watch on the developing situation and in case we feel that the people are not following Covid norms properly, we will be forced to announce complete lockdown in the State again. Though it will affect a lot of people, left with no alternative, we have to impose lockdown once again."
In his address that lasted for over six minutes, the CM further urged people to help the State in the fight against the virus and strictly follow COVID norms so that both lives and livelihood can be saved.
The Unlock process is underway in Odisha. Livelihood was affected due to lockdown restrictions in Odisha but now shops and other establishments are opening as both life and livelihood is important, he said.
"I want to alert you all that Covid is not gone yet. So, we should not become complacent. Though shops are open now, we should not go out if it is not necessary and avoid gatherings. In the present situation, use of masks and maintaining social distancing is necessary. Gatherings have been witnessed at some places after the unlock. It is dangerous. With such irresponsible behaviour, we are inviting danger for us and our dear ones. Before we could even know, the infection may increase. Only by following the COVID guidelines, we can lessen the intensity of the 3rd wave,” he said.
Thanking people for their cooperation during the second wave of COVID-19, the CM said, “The situation in Odisha was far better than other states during the second wave. Due to the hard work of doctors and health workers, Odisha is in a better position now. However the fight is not yet over as COVID cases are increasing in many states,” he underlined.
The 3rd wave is getting dangerous in many countries across the globe. Indian scientists have already alerted about the possible 3rd wave in the country soon. COVID didn't spare any one from elderly to children in the Second wave. Covid vaccine is saving people from getting critical. Even after vaccination, there is a fear of getting infected and even spreading the virus. As doctors and healthcare workers are working hard for us, we need to be responsible and give respect to their sacrifice by adhering to strict Covid behaviour,” stated Naveen.
“Unlock process should be carried out in a staggered way or in step-wise manner. Therefore, it is not possible to completely unlock the state in one go. We are reviewing the situation everyday and based on the positivity rate on the deciding day, unlocking announcements will be made,” said Mohanty.
It may be noted that the extended partial lockdown will come to an end at 6 am on August 1.
“The relaxations in Covid-19 norms will be taken after taking into consideration the virus transmission, case load and people’s adherence to Covid protocols. However, keeping in view the number of cases reported everyday in some districts, my personal opinion is that the restrictions should be there in force for few more days as people are not following Covid guidelines properly,” Mohanty added.
Speaking on the number of deaths in the State, the DMET Chief said, “The audit of the remaining deaths will be complete within 10 to 15 days. Since the (Covid) affected people are entitled to get a variety of benefits and compensation, we are taking all aspects into consideration before submitting the final audit reports.”
Speaking over the issue, Director, Health Services, Dr Bijay Mohapatra said, “Experts have predicted the possibility of a third between August and October. Yesterday, the Centre informed that as many as 54 districts in the country have reported more than 10 percent test positivity rate till July 26 and no district from Odisha finds place in that list,” he informed
However, Odisha is yet to get rid of the second wave as positive cases in Khordha and Cuttack districts still remain worrisome despite the fact that the positivity rate has come down considerably in these two districts since the last few weeks.
“The State government is ready to face the third wave if at all it hits Odisha. Surveillance is underway and testing has also increased. People need to adhere to Covid appropriate behaviour. The positive cases in Khordha and Cuttack is fluctuating every day as these two places have the most number of mobile population, ”Mohapatra added.
“The deaths which are being reported every day is audited and the numbers are not compiled in 24 hours time. Therefore, there is no need to panic,” informed Mohapatra.
With the lockdown coming into effect, several restrictions have been imposed on the regular activities across the State with several establishments and units remaining shut during the 14-day lockdown.
So, know what will remain open and what will be prohibited during the lockdown period:
Among Not Allowed:
-Buses for public transport, intra-state movement except permitted under the guidelines
-All educational, training, coaching institutions, etc., except as allowed by government
-Exhibitions/ Trade Fairs/ Melas/ physical Business to Business meetings are prohibited, except virtual mode
-Taxis (including auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws) and services of cab aggregators (except as specified in subsequent paragraphs of this order).
-Cinema halls, malls, market complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, parks, bars etc
-salons/ barber shop, spa. beauty parlour etc
-Marriages shall be permitted with approval from local authorities, with not more than 50 persons and in case of funerals and last rites, the number of persons participating shall not be more than 20 (for the entire event)
What's Allowed:
-Hospitals. nursing homes, clinics, telemedicine facilities
-Dispensaries, chemists, pharmacies. all kinds of medicine shops including Jan Aushadhi Kendras and medical equipment shops
-Medical laboratories and collection centres
-Veterinary Hospitals, dispensaries, clinics. pathology labs, sale and supply of vaccine and medicine
-Movement (inter and intra State, including by air) of all medical and veterinary personnel, scientists. nurses, para-medical staff, lab technicians, mid-wives and other hospital support services, including ambulances.
Several restrictions have also been imposed in the financial sector, commercial and private establishments - check HERE.
Meanwhile, Odisha government on Monday revised its earlier order on vaccination against Covid-19 during weekend shutdowns in the State.
As per the new directive, inoculation of vaccines will continue from Monday to Saturday but will not be carried out on Sundays to make space for proper sanitization at the vaccination centres to avoid cross-contamination.
As per the announcement made by the State Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, the night curfew will continue from 6 pm to 6am across the State while the weekend shutdown will be imposed only in 10 districts under Category B.
Later, State Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) issued a detailed order regarding the graded unlocking to be effective from 5 am of July 1 to 6 am of July 16.
The order stressed five-fold strategy such as Testing, Tracking, Treatment, Vaccination and Adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour for containing the spread of infection.
For allowing of activities, districts have been categorised as A and B on the basis of COVID case load, positivity rate and other relevant parameters.
Category — A districts (20 districts): Angul, Baragarh, Bolangir, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Keonjhar, Koraput, Malkanagiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Sundargarh.
Category - B districts (10 districts): Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Jagatsingpur, Jajpur, Khordha, Kendrapada, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh and Puri.
Here's the complete list of what is allowed, what's not in these districts
For Category- A districts, all activities are allowed with the following stipulations:
Stipulations for Category-B districts:
Additional restrictions during Night Curfew across the State/ Weekend Shutdown & from 2.00 PM to 6.00 PM on weekdays in Category- B districts:
Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra will brief the press regarding the Covid-19 management in the State at around 2.30 pm on Wednesday. Mohapatra might announce new pandemic protocols for the month of July in his address.
Though the Covid-19 graphs in majority of districts in the State have waned, the situation is still far from satisfactory in some districts, especially in the coastal belts of Odisha.
As per the data in the State Health Dashboard, the test positivity rate (TPR) in as many as 10 districts remained above 5 %. The positivity rate in Balasore is at 13.5 percent, followed by Malkangiri (7.5), Puri (7.5), Nayagarh (6.2), Cuttack (6.1), Mayurbhanj (5.9), Bhadrak (5.7), Khordha (5.5), Jagatsinghpur (5.3) and Dhenkanal (5.3).
The trend indicates most concerning figures of increasing TPR in Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Cuttack, Bhadrak and Jagatsinghgpur since last week.
While the State government has flagged Malkangiri and Balasore under red zone, eight districts- Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Khordha and Puri are in yellow zone. The rest 20 districts with TPR less than 5 percent are in green zone.
Sources said, the implementation of new Covid-19 guidelines will be made stricter in the districts that are showing an increase in the infection rate or where the TPR is considerably high as compared to other districts of the State.
However, the State government may go for more relaxations in the districts exhibiting less than 5 percent of TPR for an extended period of time. But there is little or no likelihood on opening of educational institutions, religious places which are places of mass public gathering because of virus outbreak scare.
It is also believed that decision on reopening of businesses like salons, gyms, swimming pools and restarting road public transport will be a massive challenge for the state administration.
Chief of Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET), CBK Mohanty said, "Unlocking is necessary for sustenance but govt will announce new guidelines by taking into account various factors of infection outbreak at the district level. Relaxations will be allowed but restrictions will continue wherever necessary."
In the meantime, speculations are also rife whether the Twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack will see relaxation in the Covid-19 curbs from July. The active cases stood at 4,116 in Cuttack and 5,203 in Khordha including Bhubaneswar.
The State today reported 48 deaths, highest one-day fatalities so far, due to Covid-19 infection and 3,371 cases in the last 24 hours. With this, the Covid-19 death toll surged to 4,018 and caseload remained at 9,09,800.
The Odisha government clamped lockdown for the first time this year after a massive resurgence in Corona cases. After enforcing the curbs from May 5 to 19 in the first phase and from May 19 to June 1, the government extended the lockdown till June 17 which was again extended till July 1 (5 am).
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
Active cases are still high in Khordha and Cuttack. Both the districts have currently more than 7000 active cases with over 1300 active cases in Bhubaneswar alone.
Though the COVID graph has dipped in many districts, the situation in Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Balasore and Jajpur are still far from satisfactory.
The average Test Positivity Rate (TPR) of 10 districts- Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Balasore, Nayagarh, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal and Bhadrak- is still more than 5 per cent.
So, all eyes are now set on the next announcement of the State government- whether it will go for some relaxation in these districts, especially in the Twin City or the existing restrictions will continue.
Here are some of the assumptions and questions related to the Odisha government’s upcoming announcement:
1. Weekend shutdown and night curfew may continue in the districts with high TPR
2. Will gyms and malls reopen, and bus services resume in these districts
3. Will the districts with over 5 per cent TPR get relaxation like the Category-A districts
4. All the districts may be divided into ‘High Risk’, ‘Moderate Risk’ and ‘Low Risk’ categories
5. Further relaxation in norms may be expected in districts with minimal TPR rate
Meanwhile, Cuttack collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani said that the situation in the district is under control. “We are doing micro-containment zones at village, cluster and even family levels. I believe our TPR will decrease in the next 3-4 days,” he said.
“If the administration enforce COVID norms in a stricter manner, the positive cases will decrease in the district. Increase in the cases will not have any impact as loads on the hospitals have decreased and patients are recovering,” said Balasore CDMO Dulalsen Jagdev.
On the other hand, health experts believe that the COVID-19 restrictions should continue at some public places. “It’s difficult to maintain social distancing norms in parks, malls, temples and restaurants. So, the restrictions need to continue in these places.”
Director Of Public Health Niranjan Mishra said, “TPR is decreasing but people need to be cautious else, the cases might increase again. A decision regarding the partial unlock will be taken considering the phase-wise relaxation that we have been doing for different districts, he said.
Keeping tea kettles on the road near Jeydev Bhawan, the vendors kneeled on the ground holding placards to press for their demands. The placards carried lines like ‘I maintain my family by selling tea, so the government should allow opening of tea stalls and selling of tea with adherence to social distancing norms.’
The association members said that they are facing acute financial constraints due to restrictions on the opening of their shops during the ongoing Covid-induced lockdown.
They appealed to the State government to allow them to open their outlets and sell tea by following social distancing and other Covid-19 guidelines in place to curb the spread of coronavirus.
“We are reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic for almost two years. During the first wave of the pandemic, we tea sellers had to bring our shutters down for five to six months which has broken our backbone. It has also left us in dire straits,” said Surya Narayan Jena, member of Odisha Tea Sellers’ Association.
“Now again the shops are shut for two months. It is difficult for us to maintain our families. Therefore, we urge the State government to make some relaxation for us while framing the norms for the month of July and allow us to do business,” he added.
Iron ore production in Odisha has dropped by over 31 million tonnes from 142 million tonnes in 2019-20 to 111 million tonnes in the 2020-21 financial year, according to official data.
Due to less production and increase in exports, the local industries have to pay around Rs 10,000 per tonne of iron ore in comparison to Rs 2,200 per MT in June last year.
They claimed that due to an unprecedented increase in the price of the iron ore, many of the units had become unviable or on the verge of closure.
Industry bodies like the Orissa Sponge Iron Manufacturers' Association and the Kalinga Nagar Industries Association have already taken up the matter with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, chief secretary and the Steel and Mines secretary to keep iron ore prices at a reasonable level so that iron and steel industries in the state could survive and make some margin.
"There should be a hike in the production of iron ore.
Secondly, captive miners should not take part in the auction process," Kalinga Nagar Industries Association president P L Kandoi said.
He said there should be a special provision for fair price of iron ore for the LTL (less than truckload) buyers so that iron and steel industries in the state can survive and make some margin.
Odisha Sponge Iron Manufacturing Association president Yogesh Dalmia also opposed the current auction process, saying that the auction of iron ore by the state-owned OMC should be made on a monthly and not bi-monthly basis.
Despite the auction, 80 per cent of the iron ore should be reserved for Odisha-based industries, Dalmia said.
The partial lockdown will come into effect from June 17 (5 am) and will continue till July 1 (5 am).
Addressing a press conference today, Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra said, "The Covid-19 infection rate has drastically declined and the test positivity rate (TPR) has come down to 6 percent this week. I thank the people of Odisha for abiding by the lockdown measures strictly."
"The peak period in the State is already over and I hope if people continue to coordinate with the government, the situation can be completely brought under control in few days," added Mohapatra.
Under the new unlocking measures, the lockdown restrictions will be eased in 17 districts (Category A) out of the 30 in the State from tomorrow. Shops will remain open between 6 am and 5 pm in these 17 districts which includes- Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Nuapada, Sonepur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada.
The Category A districts are in the southern and western parts of the State where test positivity rate (TPR) is 5 percent or less.
However, in rest 13 districts (Category B), shops will remain open between 6 am and 1 pm. Coastal districts and the districts having more positivity rate have been included in the Category B districts.
Khordha, Puri, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts fall under Category B.
The Covid-19 lockdown was initially imposed in the State from May 5 to May 17. However, it was first extended to June 1 and subsequently to June 17 following the rise in the infections in the State.
ରାଜ୍ୟର ସମସ୍ତ ଜିଲ୍ଲାରେ ୧୭ ଜୁନ୍ ସକାଳ ୫ଟାରୁ ୧ଜୁଲାଇ ସକାଳ ୫ଟା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଆଂଶିକ ଲକଡାଉନ୍ ଜାରି ରହିବ। ଲକଡାଉନ୍ ସମୟରେ କମ୍ ସଂକ୍ରମଣ ହାର ଥିବା ୧୭ଟି ଜିଲ୍ଲାରେ ସକାଳ ୬ଟାରୁ ସନ୍ଧ୍ୟା ୫ଟା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଏବଂ ୧୩ଟି ଜିଲ୍ଲାରେ ସକାଳ ୬ଟାରୁ ମଧ୍ୟାହ୍ନ ୧ଟା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଅତ୍ୟାବଶ୍ୟକ ସାମଗ୍ରୀ ପାଇଁ ଦୋକାନ ଖୋଲା ରହିବ। pic.twitter.com/Liq2JDLqt5
— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) June 16, 2021
The State government has decided to open sweet shops in the partial unlock period keeping in view the livelihood of milk producers. However, the shopkeepers are allowed to give items only in parcels, informed the Chief Secretary.
Cycle (sale) and automobile repair shops will be opened as per the unlock plans. Street vending for take away packet has been allowed only in 17 districts under Category A.
Morning walk, cycling and jogging activities are allowed from 6am to 9 am but parks and gyms will remain shut in all the districts. Shopping malls, saloons, cinema halls, swimming pools will also remain closed. Weekly shutdowns will continue in all the districts and night curfew will also remain in force as before. Jatra and outdoor shooting are also not allowed.
All the restrictions regarding marriage, cremation, meetings, social gatherings, opening of temples will continue as before, as per the partial unlocking measures.
All essential services, transport of goods, industrial activities, construction activities will be allowed but public bus services have been restricted. Government and private offices across the State will operate with 50 percent staff.
The Covid-19 lockdown was initially imposed in Odisha from May 5 to May 17. However, it was first extended to June 1 and subsequently to June 17 following the rise in the infection in the State.
As the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic continues to show a declining trend across the country, several states including Delhi and Maharashtra have started easing the strict lockdown restrictions which were imposed to check the spread of the infection.
In the meantime, the Odisha government has also hinted at easing the restrictions as the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) continues to decline in the State.
It may be noted that the lockdown which has been imposed in the State in three phases from May 5, will end on June 17 i.e. tomorrow at 5 am.
Speaking to mediaperson, the Director of Public Health, Niranjan Mishra said, "The Covid-19 infection has came down in Odisha. The number of daily positive cases are below 100 in 20 districts. The daily infections in some districts are still high but it will decline soon."
"The positivity rate has also drastically come down. The death toll in the State is much lower than the national death rate. The State government will come up with a decision on lockdown likely by the evening," said Mishra while hinting at the announcement of a major decision by the State Government on easing the curbs.
Speaking on the unlock process in the State, DMET (Directorate of Medical Education and Training) Chief, CBK Mohanty said all the collected data has been surveyed and accordingly decision on lockdown and unlock in several places of the State will be taken.
"As the State has started auditing the pending cases, the Covid-19 fatalities have comparatively risen. Otherwise, deaths have also fallen sharply like the positive cases," claimed Mohanty.
"Even if the government relaxes lockdown norms, the behaviour of people is the most important factor during unlock period. People should strictly abide by Covid appropriate behaviour or else we will have to face a third wave in the coming days," added the DMET Director.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Suresh Mahapatra is likely to make an important announcement at 1.30 pm today.
The two detainees have been identified as G Krishna and G Raghav.
During patrolling, the Laxmi Sagar police came across a large gathering in the slum and went to the spot to ascertain the reason behind the crowding during lockdown, sources said.
During the course of inquiry, police unearthed the trade of the reptile's meat and detained two persons in this connection. Later, the police informed the Forest department.
The Forest department personnel rescued more than five monitor lizards from the slum and took the duo into custody for further investigation, sources added.
"Some unknown people had kept the monitor lizards at our home. We have no clue from where they brought the reptiles. My brother is innocent," said relatives of the accused.
The differently-abled brother duo, who reportedly went unemployed due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown in the State, left their mother at a bypass road beside Loharakhandi river near Bhanjanagar town after they failed to find a shelter.
Police rescued the hapless mother who is suffering from old-age-related ailments from the spot and sent her to the sub-divisional hospital here for treatment.
According to sources, the sibling duo was taking their mother to an isolated place near the bypass in the noon today when some locals spotted them. They grew suspicious of the behaviour of the youth duo and informed the police.
Acting swiftly, the police rescued the elderly woman and detained her two sons for questioning. The police said the woman hails from Chhati area under Golanthara police limits. She had been living with her two differently-abled sons after the death of her husband.
The sibling duo had gone to work as migrant labourers in other state and returned home after jobs dried up due to lockdown. They subsequently moved to their sister’s matrimonial home in Jagannath Prasad.
As days passed, the elderly woman’s daughter refused to take her responsibilities. Left with no option, the brother duo were forced to abandon their mother.
The police said they have informed the elderly woman’s daughter and local sarpanch about the incident." Once they arrived, the next step will be taken after consultation with them," said a police official.
Since 1993, after the Supreme Court intervened and passed a series of orders to secure the sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone, from the ravages of pollution, the union and the state governments have spent thousands of crores of Rupees on a slew of projects designed to bring down the air pollution level.
However, according to environmentalists the positive results of these measures have yet to show. The crude reality is that neither the air pollution level has come down, now has the general quality of life improved in the 10,000 sq km eco-sensitive zone around the Taj Mahal.
The suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the ambient air continues to remain alarmingly high round the year, and the dry-polluted river Yamuna poses a serious threat to the Taj Mahal and other Mughal monuments along its banks.
"India's tourism icon and a symbol of earthly love, the 17th century white marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal, is a victim of both nature and man. If the monument looks sick and pale to visitors, the reason is the dry and heavily polluted Yamuna that once formed an integral part of the Taj Mahal complex," says eminent environmentalist Devashish Bhattacharya of the River Connect Campaign.
During the scorching summer months the Taj is enveloped in yellowish sand from the neighbouring Rajasthan desert. Any discernible visitor can tell that the summer heat is taking its toll on the Taj Mahal, the timeless monument of love, blasted by sand from the dry Yamuna bed and the dust-laden winds from the Rajasthan desert, Bhattacharya added.
Many scientific studies in the past have identified the gaps left by illegal mining in the Aravali ranges that have raised the SPM (suspended particulate matter) in Agra. Against a standard of 100 microns per cubic metre, it remains as high as 300, touching 500 during summer months. The problem is that sandy particles rub against the monument and leave pock marks that make the surface rough.
The biggest challenge to the environment in the TTZ has been the continuously increasing number of automobiles. The number of vehicles in the past three decades has shot up from thousands to lakhs. Fortunately, a large number of vehicles in the city are now running on CNG (gas), as are the industries that are being allowed to run after the 1996 Supreme Court directive to shut down all coal based industries in the TTZ.
The number of vehicles in the city has shot up from around 40,000 in 1985 when Firozabad too was part of the Agra district, to more than a million now. The opening of the Yamuna Expressway, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, has increased vehicular traffic, while the pressure of heavy vehicles on the Delhi-Kolkatta and Delhi-Mumbai national highways passing through Agra has increased phenomenally.
The Covid-19 pandemic, though has provided the Taj Mahal some breathing time and a respite, but in normal times, the fatigue and stress from human load has been quite discernible on the fragile white marble mausoleum. From a few hundred daily some decades ago, the Taj today is daily visited by thousands. This number does not include children below 15 years for whom entry is free. For five days in a year the entry to the monument is free for everyone. This opportunity is availed by lakhs of people.
Visitors who see the Taj Mahal for the first time never forget to ask the guides: "Is it turning yellow?" The explanation given by the guides is that it is the natural ageing process and has nothing to do with industrial pollution, as all polluting industries in the Agra region have been shut down by the Supreme Court.
To ensure dazzling whiteness and remove stains left behind by pollutants on the Taj Mahal, originally called Bagh-e-Baahist, or heavenly garden, the ASI carries out periodic "Multani mitti" (Fuller's earth) treatment. The white marble surface is also washed with soap and water Fridays, when the monument breathes freely on its weekly off.
When thousands of tourists invade the serene monument every day, leaving behind hand and foot marks on the white stones and tonnes of noxious gases through breathing, the cumulative affect on the fragile structure is huge. Only a few tourists are genuinely aware of the historic significance of the monument and its great heritage value, there are hordes of others who care nothing for the sanctity of the Taj, says Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society.
A tourism industry leader, said: "The mausoleum must have been originally designed for 50 or 100 visitors a day. But now there is no end. With the tourism department and the Agra Development Authority making extra efforts to promote tourism, the number will continue to rise."
While the human load problem is being sorted out by a number of initiatives taken recently, it is the sad state of the Yamuna river at the rear that remains a huge problem defying solution. According to Guides and photographers, the whole area at the rear of the Taj Mahal, already resembles a desert or a vast wasteland, because there is no water in the river. "They have even brought hordes of camels. Perhaps some day, enterprising hoteliers May start desert safaris on the Yamuna river bed," said tourist guide Ved Gautam.
Though the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has restored the Mehtab Bagh at the rear of the Taj Mahal and the state forest department has developed a dense green buffer along the river bank on the opposite side, the Yamuna flows stinkingly.
"If there is no fresh supply of water in the river that touches the Taj foundation to provide a shock-absorbing buffer to insulate the building from seismic movements, the fear is that the monument could tilt, cave in or struggle for stability," fear local conservationists.
The annual Shital Sasthi festival, the sacred marriage of Lord Lingaraj and Devi Parvati, will be held from June 15 to 16 this year inside Kedargauri temple in compliance with Covid-19 protocols.
The civic body said ‘this is a Special case and permission is hereby accorded on compensatory ground.’ Only seven servitors will be allowed to perform the marriage rituals. The Executive Officer of Lingaraj Temple Trust has been asked to submit the list of seven servitors to BMC Commissioner.
“During the sacred marriage celebration devotees/localities are not allowed to the temple for worship/any other purpose whatsoever and all temple gates to remain closed to avoid gatherings of any kind,” the BMC said.
Tent decoration, offering of milk, sound system, fireworks and feast are not allowed during the festival.
On June 15, the movement of deity will start from Lingaraj Temple to Kedargaud Temple by palanquin at 11 PM and reach by 11.45 PM. On June 16, the deity will return at 10.30 PM and reach Lingaraj Temple by 11.45 PM.
Here are other stipulations laid down by the BMC
While Savitri Brata, observed by married women for the long life of their husbands, falls on June 10, Raja festival, celebrating womanhood, will start four days later on June 14.
Every year, markets across the State witness unprecedented rush during this time and traders particularly those deal with cloths do bumper business because of the festive demands.
However, now the businesses, starting from small shops to big market complexes are shut in the State due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
Nandi Sahi, the biggest wholesale textile market in Cuttack wears a deserted look due to the lockdown while cloths worth crores of rupees are gathering dust in the showrooms.
The traders said they had procured garments worth crores of rupees in view of the various festivities and marriage seasons. They said small traders from 10 nearby districts depend on the market. However, the lockdown marred their businesses.
Cuttack Merchant Association president Hanuman Singhi said, “We had purchased garments for Savitri Brata and Raja festivals. Besides, we were also eyeing the marriage season. Now we demand the government to give us window of some hours to do business during the lockdown so that we can sell our stock to some extent.”
The situation is similar in Capital city Bhubaneswar which houses about 5,000 cloth stores. Eerie emptiness prevailed in the market building which see the biggest crowd of shoppers during this period. Traders say if the government permit opening of shops for 2-4 hours a day by following Covid protocols, they will at least manage to arrange shop rent and staff salary.
Gandhi Ray, a garment trader in Bhubaneswar said, “Like last year, this year too traders are facing crisis due to the lockdown. If the government allows opening of shops for 2 to 4 hours a day, traders would heavr a sigh of relief.”
Due to closure of shops a section of women buyers are opting for online shopping. However, they said it is not feasible for all.
“Raja and Savitri Brats are the most important among festivals for women. If the government allows the opening of shops, we will purchase sarees and other essential items by strictly following the Covid norms,” said a woman in Cuttack.
The weekend shutdowns will continue as usual starting 6 pm of Fridays till 5 am of Mondays. However, vaccination and testing for Covid-19 will continue as per the protocols laid out by the State Health Department at designated centres.
"Due to Covid lockdown restriction in the last one month, the positivity rate of the virus infection has come down to 26% to 14%. In many western Odisha districts, the infection level has come down sharply," said Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra while announcing the extension of the lockdown on Sunday.
"Towards the end of the 16-day lockdown, the situation will be reviewed once again and if more districts exhibit a decline in the trend of Covid cases, phase-wise relaxations will be allowed accordingly in such districts," he had said.
As lockdown 3.0 begins today, let's have a look at how some places followed the first day of the lockdown.
BHUBANESWAR
Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra made the announcement saying that the lockdown 2.0 in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic which was scheduled to end on June 1 has been further extended.
During the lockdown period, all the usual restrictions will continue to be strictly imposed. There will be complete restrictions on any kind of gatherings. Weddings and funeral functions will be allowed with the permitted cap as specified earlier in the second phase of the lockdown. Weekend shutdown will also be enforced.
In three districts namely Nuapada, Gajapati and Sundargarh where the Covid cases have drastically reduced in past several days, the State government has allowed some relaxations. As per the decision, all businesses except barber shops, parlours and malls are allowed to operate with strict Covid guidelines from 6 am to 1 pm. Earlier, people were allowed to avail only essentials during 7 am and 11 am.
The State government has however cautioned that if Covid cases resurge in the aforementioned districts, the curbs will be reinforced once again.
Mohapatra informed that due to Covid lockdown restriction in the last one month, the positivity rate of the virus infection has come down to 26% to 14%.
Towards the end of the 16-day lockdown, the situation will be reviewed once again and if more districts exhibit a decline in the trend of Covid cases, phase-wise relaxations will be allowed accordingly in such districts.
Odisha continues to record between 6000 and 11000 cases even during the lockdown and hence, health experts believe that the present situation is not conducive to relax the restrictions completely.
BIG BREAKING: Lockdown Extended In Odisha Till June 17
"If we look into the present Covid situation, it can't be said that the cases have fully increased or decreased," said Director of Capital Hospital, Laxmidhar Sahu.
He further said that a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in presence of top health experts and administrators may take a decision on the lockdown soon considering both lives and livelihood.
Some health experts are also of the view that the State government should extend the lockdown considering the test positivity rate (TPR).
The TRP dipped below14 per cent now and was hovering around 26 per cent at the time of the peak period in Odisha. This indicates that the infection has been gradually decreasing but the lockdown should be extended for two more weeks till June 15, said senior health expert, Dr Neeraj Mishra.
"Later on if the TPR comes down to 5 per cent, restrictions can be eased in a phased manner. However, after two weeks, if the TRP falls to 5 per cent, the extension of lockdown may not be needed," said Mishra.
As per the WHO guidelines, restrictions should not be eased unless the TPR is below 5 per cent. Several other states with over the recommended TPR have already extended lockdown to contain COVID spread.
"Odisha has already crossed its peak in the ongoing second wave of Covid19 infection last week and started showing a downward trend. However, in order to contain the resurgence of Covid-19 cases in the State, lockdown should be extended," said senior physician at Kar Clinic, Dr Neeraj Mishra.
"The lockdown should be extended for two more weeks till June 15. Later, if the test positivity rate (TPR) comes down to 5 percent, restrictions can be eased in a phased manner. However, after two weeks, if the TPR falls to 5 percent, the extension of lockdown may not be needed," said Mishra.
"The overall test positivity rate (TPR) has dipped below14 percent now which was hovering around 26 percent at the time of the peak period in Odisha. This indicates that the infection has been gradually decreasing and will further fall in the coming days," stated the health expert.
The cases in the Covid-19 second wave came late in Odisha as compared to Delhi and Maharashtra due to which the peak was also delayed, added Mishra.
As per WHO, restrictions should not be eased unless the TPR logs below 5 percent. The TPR in Delhi is below 5 percent and the concerned government will ease the lockdown restrictions from next week, he said.
"I think the Odisha government will extend the lockdown till positivity rate falls below the benchmark suggested by the WHO," emphasised Mishra.
The lockdown was imposed in Odisha at the right time or else, the State should have suffered the same crisis for hospital beds, drugs, oxygen supply etc as it was witnessed in Delhi, Bangaluru, Chennai for treating Covid-19 patients, said Mishra.
Lockdown helped the cases remain in plateau stage and typical peak did not come in the State. Odisha did not suffer in managing Covid-19 cases unlike other States in the country, he added.
Stressing on the inoculation drive in the State, Mishra said, "The Covid-19 vaccination drive should be expedited which will prevent the State from the third wave that is expected to hit in the month of October."
Meanwhile, speaking about Cyclone Yaas’s effect on Covid, Mohapatra clarified that no discrepancies occurred during the relocation of some Covid patients before the natural calamity. He also said that lesser tests were conducted due to the cyclone landfall yesterday. Odisha Health Director, Bijay Mohapatra said, If today only 6000 people have tested positive, then that’s because less tests were conducted. But if we see the rate, as I say every day, the positivity rate has declined.
People who are dying are the ones undergoing treatment for a prolonged period of time at the hospitals, as I had mentioned some days back as well. In the ICUs, yesterday, around 79 – 80 percent occupancy was there. Ventilator occupancy was 50 percent. Therefore, as I always say, we still have serious patients. If you see, our positivity rate earlier more than 20 percent earlier and now it has reduced to 14 percent. If we take care, then it will remain 14 percent and slowly it will come down.
Technically regarding the lockdown, as we had said earlier, the effects of the lockdown are witnessed after 4-6 weeks. If we announce a lockdown today, you won’t see its effect tomorrow. But we are taking the opinions of all experts, even the opinions of experts from other states, based on which, the government will decide regarding extension. None of the Covid infrastructures were damaged. We had shifted some Covid patients to the hospital and we have had no disruption in Covid management.
Delhi has been under a lockdown since April 20 and during this period daily Covid cases were over 25,000 and the average positivity rate was above 30 per cent.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said the second wave of the pandemic has been very dangerous and the Delhi government had imposed the after consultations with people from various sections.
"Daily cases are still above 1,000. So, we are extending the lockdown till May 31, 5 a.m. If cases keep decreasing like they are right now, we will start the process of unlocking next week. We will not open everything at once. Unlocking will be gradual," he said.
Delhi reported around 1,600 cases in the last 24 hours with the positivity rate dipped to around 2.5 per cent.
On Saturday, 2,260 cases were reported and the positivity rate was 3.58 per cent.
Sunday is the third straight day Delhi's daily positivity remains below 5 per cent.
Delhi's vaccination drive for those in the 18-44 age group has however, come to a halt as the national capital has run out of jabs.
Kejriwal said he was sure that the city would get help from the Centre to combat the shortage.
"As of now, our top priority is to see how we can vaccinate people as quickly as possible. However, there is a shortage across the country. There is also an apprehension about a third wave. If we vaccinate everyone, we might be able to avoid it. I am personally speaking to vaccine manufacturers about the availability.
"We are ready to buy vaccines from any authorised company, irrespective of the costs involved. We are even willing to spend an amount that is equivalent to Delhi's budget to get everyone inoculated," Kejriwal added.
In Delhi, around 50 lakh people have received at least one dose of the vaccine so far.
While stocks are available for those above 45 in the healthcare and frontline workers category, Delhi has run out of vaccines for those in the 18-44 age group.
Kejriwal also lauded healthcare workers, who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic.
"Doctors and nurses didn't sleep for days. They have worked day in and day out to serve patients. Many of them have als succumbed to Covid. We are indebted to them and cannot repay what they have done.
"The Delhi government has decided to give Rs 1 crore to their families. I have been meeting the kin of the frontline workers who have succumbed to the virus," the Chief Minister added.
The incident has come to light after a video clip showing the entire act of blatant Covid lockdown guidelines violation went viral on social media.
In the video, it could be seen that hundreds of people irrespective of age were dancing to the tune of DJ escorting the groom in a grand procession.
The event seems to be an open challenge to the administration which had completely banned such programme with capping the guest gathering at 25 only in case of wedding events.
According to reports, this was not the lone incident when the public had clearly violated the covid protocols. There were several such programmes when the village had witnessed such violations in past during the lockdown period.
While the district administration and police are on toes to enforce lockdown restrictions effectively, breach of protocols in public has raised many eyebrows.
A similar marriage procession was also reported from the district where two brothers as groom were seen taking horse ride while hundreds of fellow villagers were busy dancing to high intensity DJ. The incident occurred at Godarpali under Hinjilicut in the district. The party revelers were seen shaking legs amid heavy crowd with no masks.
On being informed, police had raided the event and detained three persons in this connection. The marriage feast prepared for the villagers were also distributed among needy in Hinjili NAC area.
On the other hand, Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said he has ordered a probe into the incident and is examining the viral video as well.
Action will be taken as per law against those who are found involved in the act, he said.
Side by side, 26 covid related deaths have been reported in the State during that period, taking the toll so to 2,456 so far.
"Regret to inform the demise of twenty six numbers of Covid positive patients while under treatment in hospitals" Health and Family Welfare Department tweeted.
As many as six patients succumbed to the disease during treatment in Khurdha district including three from Bhubaneswar city which is a part of the district. Kalahandi reported four fatalities in last 24 hours followed by Ganjam and Puri district which witnessed three fatalities each during the period.
Two patients each from Angul, Sundergarh and Balasore district died while undergoing treatment. Other districts like Nuapada, Gajapati, Boudh and Koraput witnessed demise of one patient each.
In the last 24 hours, as many as 6219 people tested positive from the quarantine centres while 4,889 got the infection from local contacts, stated Odisha Information and Public Relation Department through a tweet.
During the period, 10,881 people recovered from the disease and have been discharged. The new recoveries took the tally to 567382 in the State. The State has currently 109639 active cases, the department stated.
Of the new infections, Khordha district remained on top of the columns with 1451 followed by Cuttack with 944 cases. Similarly, Angul district reporting 864 new cases stood at third spot while Sundergarh district came down to fourth position in single-day spike having 708 cases.
Mayurbhanj stood next to Sundergarh with 635 infections detected in last 24 hours.
As many as 509 more people tested positive for the virus in Balasore district while reports of 489, 473 people came out positive in Bhadrak and Puri district respectively.
Jajpur witnessed 394 cases and Sambalpur reported 384 daily cases during the period.
As many as 357 cases have been detected from Nabarangpur, 339 from Bargarh, 332 from Nayagarh, 318 from Jagatsinghpur.
District which recorded less than 300 daily infections are Bolangir (298), Boudh (273), Koraput (251), Ganjam (214) and Rayagada (209).
As many as 254 cases have been reported from the State pool. Kalahandi was the only district which saw a two-digit figure in the daily covid cases.
Sonepur, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Keonjhar and Nuapada registered 180, 131, 132, 125,150, 169 and 114 fresh infections respectively.
Malkangiri which continued to remain in two-digit figure registered 100 cases in last 24 hours.
Despite State-wide strict restrictions under lockdown and shut down, the surging trend in the daily positive cases has become a major headache for the State government in the battle against Covid-19.
The two-week lockdown enforced in the State on May 5 was set to end on May 19 but after thorough consultation with health experts, the government has extended the lockdown for two more weeks.
Sources said the State had exhibited a Test Positivity Rate (TPR) of 20 % but after nearly two weeks of lockdown, the TPR has now dipped to 18.2%.
This apart, in another major development, the government has revised the period of relaxation for availing of essential commodities from 6 am to 12 pm daily to 7 am to 11 am.
The weekend shutdown will however continue as usual. Tighter restrictions will be clamped during the weekends and violators will be strictly dealt with, Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra informed through a press meet.
Offices in private/ corporate and civil society sector shall work with reduced manpower, preferably at 33% of their staff strength. Government offices will function with not more than 10% staff.
While earlier a total of 50 people were allowed for participating in marriage functions, the government has now reduced the number of participants to a total of 25 people including the bride and groom. Public partaking of food in any social function like funerals, marriages will not be allowed, informed Mohapatra.
Panchayati Raj institutions like Sarpanchs have been given responsibilities to keep the spread in the pandemic under check in rural areas.
A massive door-to-door survey will be carried out in rural pockets in the next three months and testing will be carried out in suspected cases.
During the period, vaccination shall continue in places as notified by the State Health Department. People intimated for the vaccination can travel to the Covid vaccination centres on their own.
People interested to get tested for Covid will also be allowed to travel to designated places on their own convinience but in adherence to Covid protocols.
Inter and intra State public transport except for emergency and permitted activities, educational institutions, all kinds of trade and fairs, cinema halls, open-air theatres, parks gyms, barber shops and all related places and activities prohibited.
All religious, social, political gatherings banned during the period.
All Health Services including AYUSH to remain functional.
All agricultural activities to remain functional.
All industries operating in both urban and rural areas are allowed to operate.
All construction activities and associated movement of vehicle/labourers in both urban and rural areas permitted.
“After careful consideration and in exercise of the powers conferred by Section-93 of the Odisha Excise Act-2008, Government have been pleased to delegate the decision of introducing home delivery of liquor by IMFL ‘OFF’ / ‘ON’/ C.L / O.S shops as well as by food aggregators during the lockdown period to Collectors who will take appropriate decision in this regard in their respective districts after taking into consideration the prevailing situation,” SK Lohani, principal secretary to government said in a letter to the Excise Commissioner.
The guidelines of Excise Department issued on 23.05.2020 regarding home delivery of IMFL / Beer and guidelines issued on 29.06.2020 regarding home delivery of C.L / O.S liquor will be followed. All the depots of OSBC Ltd. will operate during this period for wholesale trade between 6:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M, he added.
In May 2020, two food aggregators - Zomato and Swiggy had got permission to operate under several municipal corporation limits.
The State government had then categorically stated that the retailers/aggregators will have to follow the legal provisions relating to advertisement and publicity for liquor. “No picture/image/infographics/video etc. or alluring offers for promotion of any products/brand will be done through their mobile application, portal, website or any such digital platforms created for placing orders,” it had stated.
With the restrictions are still in force, the small-scale retailers are staring at an uncertain future. As per the guidelines issued by the State government, the retailers can trade for six hours a day-from 6 am to 12 noon-across the State.
In the mean time, the traders have said doing business in this short span of trading hour is not possible as it becoming difficult for them to procure essentials from wholesale market and cater it in the local markets.
“It is becoming really tough to procure essential commodities from the wholesalers and sell them in the retail in the very short span of time. We have to stand in queue for hours to get things from the wholesaler,” said Balakrushna Patra, a retailer.
Echoing the same, Bijay Kumar Sahoo, another shopkeeper said, “If the some changes in the opening and closing of shops can be made then it will benefit us as well as customers. It will be helpful if the shop closing time can be extended to 2 pm from 12 noon.”
Meanwhile, the spiralling price of the many essential commodities during the lockdown is burning a hole in the pockets of consumers. The prices of edible oils have soared to Rs 5 to 10 per litre during the lockdown.
While, the mustard oil is being sold at Rs 180 or above per litre, price of sunflower oil hovers around Rs 170 and palmolein at Rs 135 per litre.
“The rate at which the prices of edible oil is soaring, it is becoming difficult for a middle-class family to make ends meet,” said a customer.
The traders association has attributed the surge in the prices to increase in the sources’ price.
“The edible oil price has increased due to increase in the price of sources. There is no connection of lockdown, shutdown with the price hike. All essential commodities are available in the market. So, I urge buyer not to do panic buying,” said Odisha Traders Association secretary Sudhakar Panda.
He said although COVID-19 cases have come down in the last few days, but any slackness would squander the gains achieved so far in the current wave of the pandemic.
The Delhi government had been forced to impose lockdown amid a steep rise in COVID-19 cases on April 20. Although, the cases have come down and positivity rate has reduced from the high of 35 per cent on April 26 to around 23 per cent now, but strictness is needed, he said.
The lockdown scheduled to end at 5 am on Monday will now be extended up to May 17 morning.
The chief minister also said that oxygen supply in Delhi has improved significantly in the last few days. Vaccination is also going on at a fast pace although there is lack of adequate vaccine stock, Kejriwal said.
Chief Minister M K Stalin said in a statement that the lockdown was being enforced due to "unavoidable reasons" and pointed out that the decision was taken based on inputs received at a review meeting he had with district collectors on Friday, besides consultations with medical experts.
"The total lockdown will be enforced from 4 am on May 10 to 4 am on May 24," he said.
Tamil Nadu saw 26,465 new coronavirus cases on Friday, pushing the caseload to 13.23 lakh while a record 197 deaths in the last 24 hours took the toll to 15,171.
According to the health department, the active cases stood at 1,35,355.
According to the police, no force was used during the process, however, several protesters, who refused to leave the venue despite continuous persuasion, had to be taken into detention.
Deputy Commissioner of Police R.P. Meena said, "Police requested them to vacate the place but they refused. So, police cleared the area and detained a few protesters."
The Delhi Police also said, "All protest sites have been cleared -- Jaffrabad, Jamia and Turkman Gate. Some persons have been detained at all these places as well."
The agitation at Shaheen Bagh began on December 15 after the police action in Jamia Millia Islamia where the police allegedly used force against the anti-CAA protesters in which many students were injured.
According to the locals of Shaheen Bagh, police reached the protest site at around 6.45 a.m. and asked the protesters to vacate the site citing the curfew but they refused which led to their detention.
"We were following precautions for protection against COVID-19, only five of us were sitting on the site but they (Delhi police) did not allow us to protest. They have removed us forcibly," one of the lady protesters said.
Also Read: WHO Expects India To Take Aggressive Action To Combat COVID-19 Pandemic
Sources in Delhi Police said, "A team of senior police officers reached the site at 6.45 a.m. First, they tried to pacify the protesters. At that time around a dozen persons were present. Usually, very few women protesters remain there during the mornings. And because of the lockdown, their number already was very less."
The police arrived with trucks and JCB machines and dismantled all the structures and seized the tents.
All Boards were lifted, All Tents uprooted, We saw Everyone saw
Shaheen Bagh's Fraud Ends. #ShaheenBaghEmpty pic.twitter.com/mMkdjwhKJj— Shiv Sharma (@shivsharmaIND) March 24, 2020
The police sources say that "Delhi Police will register a case of violation of prohibitory orders against the organisers and the persons detained."
Police also said, "The Kalindi Kunj road connects Delhi-Noida-Faridabad and it was necessary that essential commodities should also reach the people. It was certainly, the violation of section 144 (prohibitory orders), therefore they cleared the site."
#ShaheenBagh protest area has been cleared. Section 144 has been imposed & massive police force has been deployed in the area.#ShaheenBaghEmpty #शाहीनबाग़ pic.twitter.com/1XJMvbgHPn
— Pandey Ishtkam ?? (@ishtkam) March 24, 2020
The protests at Shaheen Bagh had been going on since three months against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). It all started after the police action in Jamia Millia where police used force against the anti-CAA protesters in which many students were injured allegedly.
Shaheen Bagh had become a symbol of anti-CAA protest and was replicated in some other parts. However, amid the fear of the spread of the COVID-19, protests in other places were called off.
Also Read: COVID-19: India Joins Hands To Cheer Coronavirus Warriors
Shaheen Bagh protesters had tweeted on the day of the Janata Curfew after a petrol bomb was hurled at the barricades, "We are committed to cooperating with the law of the land and request all our well-wishers and sympathisers to abide by the same. We are all in this together. We will come back stronger. This is not over."
We are committed to cooperating with the law of the land and request all our well wishers and sympathisers to abide by the same. We are all in this together. We will come back stronger. This is not over. (4/4)#JantaCurfewMarch22 #covidindia #ShaheenBaghProtests pic.twitter.com/tDZYjwvNjL
— Shaheen Bagh Official (@Shaheenbaghoff1) March 22, 2020
Also Read: Ensure Operational Continuity Of Media Amid COVID-19: MIB To States/UTs
Swain stated that there might be a shortage of essential commodities due to a lack of manpower handling transportation and movement. As such, a careful assessment must be made by the department to understand how much essential food items are necessary for State for the next two weeks or a month and whether the required stock is available.
There might be shortage of essential commodities due to lack of manpower handling transportation & movement. If there's a shortfall, the same must be procured & stocked up as buffer by wholesalers: State Supplies Min Ranendra Pratap Swain to #Odisha CM#COVID2019 #OdishaLockdown pic.twitter.com/HBePaWmPlO
— OTV (@otvnews) March 24, 2020
In case there's a shortfall, the same must be procured and stocked up as buffer by wholesalers, he said.
Highlighting the current situation, Swain mentioned, “Till now there is no shortage of cooking gas. In case of a prolonged lockdown across the country, inter-state movement of goods will most probably be affected. So, all the public sector oil companies should be taken on board to discuss the opening of communication channels to avoid any disruption of services.”
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In view of this, he urged CM Naveen to open a monitoring unit at the department to ensure that essential commodities like cooking gas, petrol, diesel and kerosene are easily available for the public.
Panic-buying is the most common phenomenon seen in this kind of unforeseen situation.
To desist people from resorting to such practices, Swain urged the CM to commence regular advertising in print and electronic media assuring people that enough food and essential goods are available with the government.
“Panic-buying can aggravate the situation and disrupt the entire food supply chain. So I urge people to not believe in rumours and not stock up essential commodities,” the minister said.
Notably, the State government has constituted a seven-member team of bureaucrats headed by water resources department secretary Surendra Kumar to monitor smooth movement of goods into the State and within the State. The government also issued a toll-free number 155335 to ensure smooth transportation and supply of essential commodities in the State. The retailers and members of goods transporters’ association can dial the toll-free number to register their complaints.
Briefing the media, Swain said, “The government has stocked up all the essential goods for at least 10 days and we are in process of procuring even more.”
Shedding light on the PDS, Swain said, “We are trying to provide doorstep delivery of PDS ration to all the beneficiaries during this lockdown period.”
Freight movement, however, will continue to carry essential commodities across the county.
Also Read: Coronavirus Effect: Railways Cancels 168 Trains
The Railways on Sunday had announced suspension of all its passenger services from March 22 midnight to March 31 midnight in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic to break the chain of transmission of the deadly disease.
The suspensions also included all suburban train services.
Railways said that passengers could claim a full refund for all trains cancelled in this period till June 21.
It also said that people who couldn't avail train journeys could wait it out at station waiting room with their timings being extended.
The Railway Board on Tuesday also issued instructions to all its production units to examine the feasibility of manufacturing items like simple hospital beds(without mattress), medical trolleys for hospitals and quarantine facilities, and IV stands to contribute to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
The Railways has also ordered the closure of all rail museums, heritage galleries and heritage parks up to April 15 as a preventive measure to control the spread of the disease.
The Indian Rail Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), on the other hand, appealed to the people not to cancel their e-tickets on their own in case of trains being cancelled by the national transporter due to nation-wide lockdown to help curb the spread of novel coronavirus pandemic.
Clearing the doubts of the railway passengers, IRCTC spokesperson Siddharth Singh said, "Doubts have been raised regarding cancellation of e-tickets subsequent to the halting of railway passenger trains.
"It may be submitted that for trains cancelled by the railways in its complete run, refund on e-tickets is full and automatic. In this case, no cancellation exercise is required to be done on the part of the user," he said.
The IRCTC official said that if user cancels his e-ticket in situations of train cancellations, there are chances he may get "less refund". "Hence passengers are advised not to cancel e-tickets on their own for those trains which have been cancelled by the railways," he said.
He also said that the refund amount will be credited to the user account used for booking e-tickets automatically and no charges will be deducted by the railways in case of train cancellation.
Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Railway Begins Thermal Screening Of Passengers In Running Trains
His remarks came as the national transporter announced the suspension of the passenger, mail and express services from March 23 till March 31. However, the railways extended the suspension of services till April 14 in the wake of the three-week lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from March 25 during his second special address to the nation on Tuesday night.
The railways has cancelled over 13,600 passengers trains across the country in a bid to combat the spread of novel coronavirus. Only freight trains are running to ensure the supply of essential services. About 9,000 freight trains are transporting essential items every day across the country.
On Wednesday, India recorded 562 cases of COVID-19 with 10 deaths.
A decision in this regard was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"The government has decided to provide 7 kg per person of foodgrains to 80 crore people under the Public Distribution System (PDS), which the world's largest food security system," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told media after the meeting.
The cost of wheat is Rs 27/kg, which will be provided at a subsidised rate of Rs 2 kg, while the cost of rice is about Rs 32/kg but will be supplied at Rs 3/kg through ration shops, he said.
Also Read: COVID-19: MHA Issues Strict Lockdown Guidelines, Asks States To Ensure Unhindered Essential Services
All states have been asked to take foodgrains from the Centre in advance for distribution through the PDS, he added.
Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the government is supplying 5 kg of foodgrains per month to over 80 crore people at a highly subsidised price.
The decision to allocate additional foodgrains through the PDS has been taken as state-run Food Corporation of India (FCI) is saddled with wheat and rice stock. With some foodgrains stock kept in open space, the FCI is under pressure to clear stock before monsoon.
The Minister also informed that the Centre and state governments are working in tandem to prevent the spread of coronavirus and asked people not to panic amid countrywide lockdown.
The lockdown was imposed in the country from today and will be in force till April 14.
In a cabinet briefing, Javadekar requested people to stay at home, maintain social distancing, wash hands frequently and visit a doctor if the symptoms appear.
"The 21-day lockdown is important. Spend quality time with your family and do not resort to panic-buying. Essential items will be available throughout the country," he said.
"Cheap or free ration is being given out. It is the world's biggest food security system. This will be extended to three months," the Union minister added.
Likewise, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the recapitalisation of regional rural banks with a total outlay of Rs 1,340 crore, to improve their capital adequacy during the coronavirus crisis.
Briefing the media after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said that out of the total approved Rs 1,340 crore, the Central government will infuse Rs 670 crore and the rest would be put in by the state government and other sponsoring banks.
"#CCEA approves recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks to improve their Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio; approves utilisation of Rs 670 crore as Central Government share for the scheme," said a statement.
The decision comes a day after Modi announced a 21-day lockdown to control the spread of the coronavirus infection. Businesses and normal life across the country are likely to suffer and concerns have been raised about the flow of liquidity during the crisis period.
The government has off late announced a slew of measures to provide relief to the general public and businesses in terms of regulatory compliances, including deferment of deadlines for IT and GST return filings.
Also Read: COVID-19 Outbreak: Govt Bans Export Of Hydroxychloroquine
The government is also in the process of preparing an economic package to mitigate the impact of the crisis. On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is also heading the COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force, said that the package would be announced soon.
About 539 cases of the deadly infection have been confirmed in India and 10 deaths have been reported so far.
(With agency inputs)
The exercise slated to begin on April 1 this year has been "postponed until further orders", the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner announced.
The department under the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the decision was taken to break the transmission of the deadly novel coronavirus.
The announcement comes a day after the Prime Minister announced a complete lockdown across the country for 21 days from Tuesday midnight.
The Census 2021 was scheduled to be conducted in two phases. The Phase I related to house listing and housing census was to be taken up during April-September 2020 while the Phase II was for population enumeration from February 9 to 28, 2021.
The updation of NPR was also proposed to be done along with the Phase I of Census 2021 in all the states and Union Territories, except Assam.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Home Ministry had earlier declared high alert and it was followed by the states and UTs.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines for strict implementation of the measures to be taken by the ministries and departments of government of India and state and UT governments for the containment of coronavirus.
Lockdown has also been declared by many states and UT governments. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued advisories for various precautionary measures, including social distancing.
There are at least 606 confirmed coronavirus cases in India as of Wednesday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Ministry said. Of this, 553 are active cases, 42 patients have recovered and been discharged from the hospital and 10 people have lost their lives.
The active cases include 563 Indian nationals and 43 foreign nationals.
Addressing a press conference, Joint Secretary, Health, Lav Agarwal said: "There are 29 private laboratory chains, accredited by the Indian Council of Medical Research for conducting tests for novel Coronavirus.
"These labs have 16,000 collection centres across the country, where at least 12,000 tests can be conducted per day."
Agarwal also said that the private labs will have to follow ICMR norms while testing for COVID-19.
Besides private labs, there are 119 government laboratories approved by the ICMR, of which 104 are operational for testing Covid-19 and 15 are in the process of being functional according to ICMR data.
On the situation of protective gear, Agarwal said: "PPEs and masks have certain imported materials. We are trying the best sothat the gap is filled as soon as possible..."
He also clarified on one death that was reported in Delhi on Tuesday, saying "the sample of the deceased was under testing and later was found to be negative".
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, at a digital press conference, said that five new cases of coronavirus infection had been reported in the city in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 35.
Tamil Nadu also reported five new novel coronavirus positive cases today, taking the total number of such patients in the southern state to 23. With three new positive cases of coronavirus in Gujarat, the total count of COVID-19 patients in the state has surged to 38. Five more COVID-19 positive cases were detected overnight in Maharashtra taking the total to 116. Madhya Pradesh also reported five new cases taking the total number upto 14. Casualties, so far, have been reported from Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, and West Bengal.
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, on the other hand informed that around 64,000 people have arrived from other countries in India since March 21, out of which about 8,000 have been placed in various quarantine facilities and the remaining 56,000 are in home isolation.
"We are fighting an infectious disease. In order to protect ourselves and others, it is highly important that we follow all the protocols, guidelines and directions issued by the government, failing which may lead to legal actions under section 188 of IPC," Vardhan asserted.
He also reiterated his appeal to everyone not to ostracise doctors and other medical staff who are on the forefront of this health emergency and serving to save people from COVID-19.
He was speaking after a high-level meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on COVID-19 was held at Nirman Bhawan. It was held under his chairmanship. It was also attended by Hardeep Puri, Minister of Civil Aviation, S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Nityananda Rai, Minister of State for Home, Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Shipping, & Chemical and Fertilisers and Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Health & Family Welfare. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat was also present.
"The Group of Ministers (GoM) had detailed deliberation on prevention and management of COVID-19 in the meeting. The GOM also discussed the actions taken so far, current status of social distancing measures as a preventive strategy and the stringent actions to contain the spread of COVID-19 by the states so far," said a government release.
The GOM discussed about strengthening capacity of states, which need to devote adequate resources for creating dedicated COVID-19 hospitals, equipping the medical institutes with PPEs, ventilators and other essential equipment etc.
Meanwhile, states have been asked to ensure that essential services and supplies remain open. These include hospitals, medical shops and establishments engaged in manufacturing of medicines, vaccines, sanitisers, masks and medical devices.
The GoM was informed that Gujarat, Assam, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, MP and J&K are setting up hospitals dedicated for the management of COVID-19. A total of 118 laboratories have been included in the ICMR network of COVID-19 testing. Group of Ministers (GoM) was also apprised that Cabinet Secretary has also written letters and conducted Video Conference with Chief Secretaries, Health Secretaries and DGs of Police and instructed them to enforce implementation of lockdown measures.
Also Read: COVID-19 Lockdown: Railways Extends Suspension Of Passenger Trains Till April 14
Harsh Vardhan reiterated his appeal to all those who are in home and facility quarantine about observing it according to the protocol laid down by the Health Ministry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown across India starting Wednesday.
(IANS)
"I know you must be facing major logistical challenges in moving medicine, equipment and relief supplies from one part of the country to another. We at IndiGo would be extremely proud to be associated with this critical life-saving activity at this hour of great need for our nation," said Ronojoy Dutta, CEO of IndiGo, in a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Also Read: NPR, First Phase Of Census 2021 Exercise Postponed Amid COVID-19 Lockdown
"Please be assured that all our employees are highly motivated in the service of this country and are eagerly looking for opportunities in which to contribute. We would consider it an honour if you would engage us in this activity," said Dutta.
The airline said it has aircraft and the crew covering major cities across India and is willing to fly in the service of the nation.
The Indian Navy transported a medical team for COVID-19 test training. "A Dornier aircraft of Indian Navy with a team of four doctors from Goa State Health Department took off from INS Hansa to Pune on March 25," Indian Navy stated.
The medical team led by Savio Rodrigues, HOD Microbiology, Goa Medical College, will undergo training to set up a COVID test facility at Goa.
A request to the Navy for providing air transport was received by Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area during the late hours of March 24, Navy sources said.
The Navy immediately initiated necessary procedures and the aircraft took off in the morning on Wednesday, the sources added.
A few samples of COVID-19 suspects were also carried by the medical team for testing.
The medical team is likely to return to Goa on March 27 post completion of the training.
The Ministry of Textile has set up an emergency control office in within the ministry itself to monitor and facilitate supply of materials needed to make masks to deal with coronavirus outbreak.
A nodal officer has also been appointed to oversee production and supply of N-95 masks, body coveralls and meltblown fabrics. All of them are pivotal in India's fight against COVID-19.
Under the aegis of P.L. Kataria, Special Secretary, five officers from the ministry are made part of the emergency panel. They are: Joint Secretary Nihar Ranjan Dash, Directors H.K. Nanda and Balram Kumar and Deputy Secretaries Pankaj Singh and Padmapani Bora.
Also Read: COVID-19 Lockdown: Railways Extends Suspension Of Passenger Trains Till April 14
Apart from them, three officials are also appointed to take stock of the ground situation.
This comes a day after India went into a 21-day nationwide lockdown to prevent any further spread of the deadly virus.
(IANS)
As per reports, the CMC has directed 11 shopping malls in the city for door-to-door delivery of food items and other daily commodities to the residents in order to ensure denizens stay at home and maintain social distancing.
Eight outlets of Reliance Fresh, three stores of Metto Super Market and one outlet of Big Bazaar are among the ones that will provide doorstep delivery across Cuttack, added reports.
https://twitter.com/CMCCuttack/status/1242860362212360193
On the other hand, Big B Fresh Store has reportedly started delivery of grocery and eggs in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Niali areas through its mobile App and website.
Big Bazaar also claims to have started doorstep delivery in Bhubaneswar amid the coronavirus lockdown implemented by the central government.
Also Read: Take A Deep Breath, Listen To The God Within You In The Time Of COVID-19: Subroto Bagchi
“We have initiated doorstep delivery of services in Bhubaneswar. Get your daily needs delivered at your doorstep,” tweeted Big Bazaar.
https://twitter.com/BigBazaar/status/1240639163654787073
Similarly, another retailer, Malgodwn is delivering grocery, personal care & hygiene items to residents of Patia, Chandrasekharpur, Kalinga Hospital and along the Nandankanan Road through orders placed via its app and website.
Moreover, Emeat.in is also delivering chicken, mutton, fish and other seafood online in Bhubaneswar. Freshtm has collaborated with dairy producer Milky Moo to deliver its products at doorstep.
On the other hand, the Cuttack district administration and CMC initiated special measures to ensure proper distancing is maintained between buyers and sellers in several markets of the city.
Squares, circles and lines were drawn in front of the kiosks selling vegetables at Chhatrabazaar, which is the largest vegetable market in the State. The move came after chaotic scenes were witnessed on Wednesday with people crowding the vegetable market without any concern for social distancing.
Apart from Chhatrabazaar, similar markings were also seen in front of several grocery shops and other establishments selling essential commodities so that people come in a queue and maintain a safe distance amid the global outbreak of Coronavirus.
Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown: Union Min Pratap Sarangi Seeks Helpline For Odias Stranded In Other States
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation also started similar markings to ensure social distancing among buyers and sellers in several markets, shops and haats of the capital city.
Besides, the Commissionerate Police today temporarily shifted the vegetable traders of Unit-1 Haat for a period of 45 days to AG Square and Rajmahal chhak. Sources said the decision was taken keeping in view the non-availability of adequate space at Unit-1 Haat to maintain social distancing.
When Digital India took birth, little did we know that in an unprecedented situation like a total lockdown, the apps and services that helped us sail through the day with ease will immediately hang up on millions.
From Uber to Ola, Swiggy to Zomato and Bigbasket to Grofers -- and thousands of app-based services in between -- the digital dream has taken a 21-day long pause, and workers in the digital industry are in for job losses along with deep salary cuts.
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has announced that several employees have taken deep voluntary salary cuts as the business has been hit owing to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Uber and Ola drivers are confined to their homes and delivery boys for food and online grocery delivery platforms are afraid to come out on roads owing to the fear or being beaten up.
Uber India has reportedly given no help to its driver partners as of now, other than telling its employees to do yoga at home.
Ola has reportedly taken the next step, asking the government to waive the loans of its drivers and delay the tax payments for them so that they can survive the Novel Coronavirus onslaught. The company, however, refused to comment on the reports.
Read More: Coronavirus Impact: Uber, Ola Suspend Pool Ride Service In India
According to the ride-hailing company, it is providing certain insurance and medical benefits to its drivers as well as waiving rental charges.
"We can confirm that we are fully waiving away lease rentals, akin to an EMI, for driver partners who operate vehicles owned by Ola's subsidiary, Ola Fleet Technologies under its leasing programme," Ola said in a statement.
The company also said it will give benefits on insurance for drivers and their spouses against loss of income due to contraction of COVID-19, as well as other medical support during this time will continue to be offered to all its driver-partners across the country.
Thousands of daily-wage workers, low-end hotel staff and delivery boys have left metros for their home towns -- some even on bikes -- as establishments locked themselves.
Smartphone-based leading food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy are in almost in no man's land -- with thin presence amid huge manpower shortage.
Bigbasket and Grofers are unable to fulfil orders owing to huge supply-demand issue along with thin delivery staff to go out and deliver.
All eyes are now on the government to bail the online service providers from this mess.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday indicated that concerns of India Inc, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) segments and other segments hit by the lockdown might be looked at and the government could announce a plan later.
"Our first priority is to provide food to the poor and money in their hands. We will think about other things later," she said.
Speaking to media persons, Patro said that members of the House will meet at the Lok Seva Bhawan's conference hall on March 30 during which the appropriation bill would be introduced.
Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: 3rd Positive Case In Odisha ‘Raises Possibility Of Community Transmission’
“We will resume business of the House on March 30 to pass the appropriation bill. However, the members would assemble at the conference hall of the Lok Seva Bhawan instead of the Assembly building,” said Patro.
Speaking about the reason behind the shifting of the House to Lok Seva Bhawan, the Speaker said, “I came to know last night that the third COVID-19 case in the State has a contact history with a staff of the State Assembly following which I have ordered to keep all the staff of the Assembly in home quarantine. Besides, there is a need for disinfection of the Assembly House to prevent the spread of the virus.”
The Speaker also informed that he has appealed to the leaders of political parties to bring only 30 per cent of their party MLAs to the Lok Seva Bhawan where they will sit while maintaining a distance of two metres from each other. Odisha government's spokesperson on COVID-19, Subroto Bagchi also said that the third person infected with COVID-19 had visited dispensary of Odisha Assembly.
#OdishaAssembly will now be functioning from Lok Seva Bhawan's conference hall in with 30% attendance of MLAs, informs Speaker SN Patro #CoronavirusOutbreak
#OdishaFightsCorona #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/ufIW5llTKK
— OTV (@otvnews) March 27, 2020
Meanwhile, the state government has asked the people not to visit Kar Clinic where the 60-year-old man from Bhubaneswar was admitted.
"Based on the contact history of the third positive case, Health Department urges people not to visit Kar Clinic Bhubaneswar for outpatient and inpatient care," the State Health Department tweeted.
"In spite of repeated advisory, some private health care facilities are not complying with the Covid-19 regulations. Government urges them to act responsibly and follow the regulations while treating patients with flu like symptoms. Non-compliance shall be viewed seriously," said the Health department.
Bagchi said fresh guidelines would be issued for private hospitals, clinics and doctors in view of coronavirus outbreak. He said the infected man had travelled to Delhi and Rewari in Haryana between March 7 and 10 with his family.
He had travelled in an Indigo flight from Delhi to Bhubaneswar on March 10 with his wife and daughter. After he showed flu symptoms, he had consulted in Vidhan Sabha dispensary in Bhubaneswar.
Also Read: Call 104, Furnish Details & Avoid Being A Super-Spreader Of COVID-19: Subroto Bagchi
Later, he had moved to Kar Clinic on March 21 and was admitted in ICU at the clinic. On March 25, the patient had visited the Capital Hospital where his sample was sent for test and confirmed positive for COVID-19.
(With agency inputs)