Odisha eases COVID restrictions; Malls, cinema halls will reopen from August 1
In view of the improvement in the COVID situation in Odisha, the state government on Saturday announced reopening of shopping malls, parks and cinema halls in all districts except three cities where the coronavirus caseload is relatively high.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena said that the administration has given relaxation for a month from 6 am on Sunday.
“The new guidelines will be in force for a month till 6 am on September 1,” he said.
The SRC also said that the unlock measures will not be implemented in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri where the pandemic situation is alarming. Weekend shutdown will remain in force in three cities.
“There has been a marked improvement in the COVID situation in 27 districts, though Khurda Cuttack and Puri are reporting more than 100 cases every day,” he said.
Khurda district comprises the state capital Bhubaneswar. All weekly and monthly markets, shopping malls and parks are allowed to reopen across the state from Sunday, but restrictions on social and political gatherings have not been lifted.
The SRC said that both government and private offices are also allowed to function with half the manpower.
He said that the state government has asked the district administration to take a decision on reopening of religious places except Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and Shree Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar.
Malls, restaurants, roadside eateries, bars, theaters and cinema halls are also allowed to have 50 per cent seating capacity and strictly follow the COVID-19 protocols. People have been allowed to take food only from eateries till Sunday and are not allowed to avail food facilities.
“Those who have received both doses of the COVID vaccine will be allowed to enter these facilities in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri,” he said, adding that the authorities of shopping malls, restaurants and theaters should follow their health safety protocols. ensure to be implemented. House.
Educational institutions including coaching centres, museums, tourist places, zoos and archaeological monuments across the state will reopen with adherence to the COVID protocol, an official notification said.
Bus operators are also allowed to resume services, allowing passengers with only seating capacity.
Public transport authorities have decided to resume bus services in Bhubaneswar from Monday.
Capital Region Urban Transport General Manager Deepti Mohapatro said that ‘Mo Bus’ (My Bus) services will be available on 25 routes from 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays.
Officials will run 194 buses, he said, adding that the service will remain suspended even on weekends. Indoor or outdoor shooting for films is also allowed, Jena said, adding that home delivery by e-commerce companies is also allowed.
However, he said that there has been no relaxation in the functions of weddings and funerals.
He said marriages would be allowed with a maximum of 25 guests, and the number of people attending thread ceremonies and funerals should not exceed 20.
Jena said all official meetings would be allowed with a maximum of 100 participants, but a maximum of 30 people would be allowed to participate in events such as the inauguration of projects and foundation stone laying.
(with PTI inputs)
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