Lockdown Restrictions To Continue In Bhubaneswar, No Pass Required For Govt Employees

Bhubaneswar: Twin City Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi on Sunday said that the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the Bhubaneswar city limits will continue till further orders.

“Please do not expect any change tomorrow. The situation is under review. We request citizens for their continued co-operation,” he said.

Shops selling fertiliser, pesticide, animal feed, agricultural equipment, cement, paint, iron will continue to remain closed and so also the repair shops, he said, adding that emergency repairs of AC and refrigerator will be allowed on dialing 100 only.

The police commissioner said that no vehicle pass is required for central and state government employees. The Odisha government employees in Bhubaneswar will be allowed to commute on producing identity card and letter from head of office, he said.

“As per Ministry of Home Affairs order, all central government officers above the rank of deputy secretary will attend office. Others will be limited to 30 per cent. They will be allowed to go to office by showing identity card,” he further said.

Sarangi requested IT and ITeS companies in Bhubaneswar to continue with present work from home arrangement and function with a maximum of 25 per cent in office. “They will be allowed on showing company I-card and email showing that they are part of the 25 per cent asked to come to office,” he added.

While extending the lockdown till May 3, prime Minister Narandra Modi had hinted at relaxation of the restrictions at some places declared as green zones (without COVID-19 cases).

Bhubaneswar has been identified as a corona hotspot with 46 of the total 61 cases in Odisha being reported from the city.