Odisha COVID Guidelines: Picnics Prohibited, Political Meetings Allowed In January

Bhubaneswar: The state government has prohibited picnics but allowed political meetings in its COVID guidelines for January, 2022.

The guidelines issued by the office of Special Relief Commissioner stated that picnic in parks, nature clubs, beaches and other picnic spots will not be allowed. Celebration of annual day and anniversary is also prohibited.

Cultural and dance programmes will not be allowed in hotels, parks, malls, convention centres and kalyan mandaps during the month.

While all social and religious gatherings are prohibited, political meeting are allowed subject to gathering of not more than 100 people in compliance with COVID protocols.

Night curfew will remain in force urban areas from 10 pm to 5 am every day. There will be no movement of vehicles except in emergency. During the unlock period, all the shops and malls will remain open all days of a week.

Similarly, cultural gatherings and programmes including melodies, orchestra, jatra and opera and dances are allowed while auditoriums will function with 50% capacity.

The organisers have to ensure that COVID protocols are strictly followed at all gatherings, the new guidelines stated.