COVID surge: Odisha govt clamps complete lockdown in entire state for 14 days from May 5

Bhubaneswar: Amid rise of covid surge in Odisha, the state government on Sunday clamped complete lockdown in the entire state for 14 days from May 5 next to contain the spread of the virus.

Besides the lockdown the state will also have a complete shutdown on weekends, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said.

The lockdown will be throughout the state with effect from May 5 till 5 AM of May 19 while there will be a complete shutdown on weekends starting from 6 PM Fridays to 5 AM on Mondays.

Mr Mohapatra however clarified that the testing and vaccination will be continued in the places notified by the Health and Family Welfare department.

All public transports, taxis, auto rickshaw and services of cab aggregators would be prohibited during the lockdown and shutdown.

The government has prohibited all social, political, religious, academic and cultural functions besides gatherings have been prohibited during the lockdown.

However, the people could visit the nearest grocery and vegetable shop within 500 meters of their house by walking between 6 AM to12 PM on Monday to Friday.

Marriages would be permitted with approval from the local authorities with not more than 50 persons and in case of funerals and last rites the number of persons shall not be more than 20 for the entire event.

All cinema halls, malls, market complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars auditorium, jatra and operas would be closed. (UNI)