New Covid guidelines in Odisha to be effective from today

Bhubaneswar: Amid rising Covid cases in the State, the new guidelines issued by the Odisha government will come into force from today. It will be effective from 5 am of January 7 till 5 am of February 1, 2022.

Reportedly, the night curfew will be enforced from 9 pm in the night till 5 am in urban areas, informed the SRC Pradeep Jena. The essential services will be continued even during the night curfew.

As per the new Covid guidelines, the number of people in marriage functions has been reduced to 100 while only 30 people will be allowed in the wedding procession. Similarly, 50 people will be allowed for funerals. The Covid norms have to be strictly followed during all these events, stated the guidelines.

The government offices will run with 50 percent staff. The cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, in closed places shall be allowed to open with up to 50 percent of capacity and operate with due compliance to Covid protocols. Hotel, Restaurants, Bars, and Dhabas will also accommodate 50 percent of the full sitting capacity.

SRC further urged and directed the shop owners as well as customers to abide by the Covid norms else legal action will be taken for violation.

Zoological Parks/ Nandankanan zoo, Botanical Garden shall be allowed to open with due compliance to Covid protocols. However online booking tickets for entry into the zoo/ Botanical Garden are mandatory. Picnics in public places including hotels, convention halls, parks, beaches, and other tourist spots were restricted. Cultural events will not be allowed in hotels, clubs, etc.

It is to be noted that the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a guideline for Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) stating that all the passengers deboarding at Bhubaneswar except in transit shall have to undergo RT-PCR Test at the BPIA testing facility.

The air travellers who have already been fully vaccinated or in possession of RT-PCR negative reports shall also have to be tested. The travellers whose destination is Bhubaneswar shall have to isolate themselves at home till the result is communicated to him by BMC. The usual protocol for positive cases will be followed in case positive cases are found from among the travellers.