Odisha govt announces lockdown from 5th to 19th May

The Odisha government on Sunday 2 May announced a 14-day lockdown in the state. COVID cases are rising sharply all over state. The lockdown will remain in force with effect from May 5 till May 19 2021.

People will be allowed to purchase essential items within 500 metre radius of their residences between 6 am and 12 pm. During weekends, they will only be able to avail medical services.

The order further said that the lockdown and the weekend shutdown will not be applicable to any poll-related work, such as movement of personnel engaged in facilitating by-election to Pipili assembly constituency. Polling in Pipili is scheduled to be held on May 16.

“The lockdown is primarily aimed at regulating movement of common people. No restriction has been imposed on goods carriers,” the order said.

Odisha recorded 8,015 new COVID-19 cases, 5,634 recoveries and related 14 deaths in the last 24 hours, the state health department said on Sunday.