Let The Show Begin: Odisha Lifts Curtains On Jatras & Operas, But With Covid Caution

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday allowed jatra, opera, drama, melody and other cultural programmes in the state with strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.

A notification issued by the Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on Saturday said the order has been issued with a view to normalise economic activities.

Following are some of the guidelines laid down in the order:

* Cultural gatherings/ programmes including melodies, orchestra, jatra, opera, classical, folk and other dance forms, open air theatres, drama, street plays, other such performances etc. shall be allowed with due compliance to COVID protocols.

* Auditoriums, assembly halls, similar facilities will be allowed to open with due compliance to COVID rules.

* Open air theatres, jatras, operas will be permitted by the local authorities (district magistrate/SP/municipal commissioner or any other officer authorised) subject to compliance of COVID safety protocols such as mandatory wearing of face masks, physical distancing, thermal scanning, etc.

* Keeping the size of the ground/ space in view, appropriate number of persons (subject to a ceiling of 2,000 persons) will be allowed.

* As far as possible, facility for online booking of tickets may be arranged by the organisers and sufficient number of counters shall be opened to prevent crowding during physical booking of tickets. Facility of advance booking online as well as through counters may also be organised. The organisers shall be responsible for due compliance of COVID norms.

* For indoor halls, the number of viewers/spectators will not exceed 50% of the seating capacity of the hall.

* In closed places, the number of persons including the invitees shall not exceed 50% of the hall capacity. Person having double dose/final vaccination certificate and Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) (-ve)/ RT PCR (-ve) report obtained within 72 hours prior to the function will be allowed to attend.

* Vulnerable groups such as persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities and pregnant women are advised not to attend the function.

* Chewing of gutka and paan and spitting at function is strictly prohibited.

* Cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs/handles, handrails, slides, chairs, tabletops, benches, washroom fixtures, floors/ walls shall be ensured.

* Deep cleaning of all drinking/ hand washing points/ washrooms, lavatories shall be ensured.