Muted I-Day Celebrations With No Public Participation In Odisha, COVID Warriors To Be Invited

Bhubaneswar: In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases, the Odisha government has decided to celebrate the 74^th Independence Day without the participation of general policy as a safety measure.

In a notification, the Home Department has asked the district collectors and SPs to strictly adhere to the following guidelines during the celebrations at the district headquarters, blocks and panchayats.

— The National Flag will be unfurled by the chief guest (to be intimated separately by Home Department) after 9 am.

—Only one or two police contingent will participate in the ceremony for offering compliments to the chief guest during the celebration

—There will be no parade and march past.

—There will be no participation by the general public. A limited number of guests (around 50 to 75 including 15 to 20 COVID warriors (including doctors, health workers, sanitation workers) may be invited to the celebration using e-invites.

—It is imperative that the social distancing norms, wearing masks, etc., are followed strictly by those attending the function. The venue must be properly sanitized and hand sanitizers made available at the entrance.

—Tree plantations and online essay/quiz contests can be organised to mark the occasion.