Bhubaneswar: With the ongoing partial lockdown ending at 6 am on September 1, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena on Tuesday said that the Odisha government has decided to lift the weekend shutdown in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri.
“There will be no weekend shutdown in the entire state,” he said.
The duration of the night curfew has also been reduced and it will now be imposed from 10 pm and 5 am, he said, adding that the restriction is applicable to urban areas only.
The SRC said there has been a fall in new COVID cases with people strictly adhering to the COVID guidelines issued by the government. “We have to practice caution in view of the possible third wave,” he said.
The ceiling on a wedding, thread ceremony and funeral programme has been increased to 250. A total of 50 persons, including the band, can participate in marriage processions, he said.
All museums and libraries will be allowed to open with COVID restrictions. “Cinema halls, malls can now operate with full capacity,” he said.
COVID-19 vaccination final certificate will no longer be required for entering cinema halls in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack city and Puri town and shopping malls across the state, he added.
However, restrictions on religious, social and political congregations will continue. No permission will be given for melas and exhibitions.
Jena said that all puja ceremonies will be held by following the rules as laid out by the government in its August 9 guidelines.
