This story is from June 1, 2020

Odisha to close religious places till June 30, complete week-end shutdown in 11 districts

Odisha on Monday announced to go for complete week-end shutdown in 11 districts with higher case load of corona for the entire month of June. The government also announced to debar people from visiting religious places till June 30 compared to the Centre’s guidelines of June 8. The schools and colleges in the state will remain closed till July 31.
Odisha to close religious places till June 30, complete week-end shutdown in 11 districts
Odisha chief secretary Asit Tripathy (File Photo)
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha on Monday announced to go for complete week-end shutdown in 11 districts with higher case load of corona for the entire month of June. The government also announced to debar people from visiting religious places till June 30 compared to the Centre’s guidelines of June 8. The schools and colleges in the state will remain closed till July 31.
Announcing the state’s ‘Unlock1’ plan, chief secretary Asit Tripathy said June is critical for the state when cases will increase further in view of return of state natives from other parts of the country.
“No religious, social and political congregation will be allowed till June 30,” he said.
Stating that most of the positive cases in Odisha were from nine coastal districts besides Nayagarh and Balangir, the chief secretary said, these 11 districts will be completely shut on Saturdays and Sundays.
Observing that people were not taking the norms on wearing masks and spitting in public places seriously, the top bureaucrat said, the fine on the violators will go up. “Those spitting in public places will be fined Rs 500 now compared to Rs 200 earlier for the first offence. The amount will increase to Rs 1,000 from third offence,” he said.
Hotels can book up to 30% of their capacity by adhering to social distancing norms, he said.
Meanwhile, Odisha reported 156 new Covid-19 positive cases, which is the highest single day spike, raising the number of total infected people to 2,104.
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About the Author
Ashok Pradhan

Ashok Pradhan is currently chief of bureau The Times of India in Bhubaneswar. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal (1999-2000).

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