Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today decided to extend the partial lockdown till July 16, but announced several relaxations in curbs imposed to control the spike in COVID-19 cases amid the ongoing second wave.
While extending the lockdown, the government had tagged 20 districts under Category A and 10 districts under Category B.
Easing the restrictions, Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra said under Category A that are Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, Sonepur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada.
Under A category where the Test Positivity Ratio (TPR) is less than 5% buses, taxis and auto rickshaws can operate. However, drivers must be vaccinated and strict Covid protocols need to be followed. All the shops have been allowed to open from 6 AM to 6 PM . Public transport allowed in these districts up to seating capacity only.
No weekend shutdown in A category districts. Outdoor film shooting and small salons will be allowed. Daily markets & weekly haats are also permitted in these districts.
Night curfew have been imposed in all the districts of Odisha from 6 PM to 6 AM.
Under B category, the coastal districts Nayagarh, Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj are allowed to open shops from 6 AM to 2 PM. The outdoor shooting for films will be allowed in 10 category-B districts.
The restrictions on weddings and funerals will continue as before, he said, adding that education and religious institutions will remain closed.
Ms Kalinga