Odisha Govt Hikes Penalties For COVID-19 Guidelines Violations; Details Here

Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary on Friday said that Odisha has to reopen further to normalise economic activity and livelihoods amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“This is a complex management issue and with the relaxation of the restrictions, COVID-19 guidelines have to be strictly followed,” he said.

Some pointers from the press briefing 

–No congregation will be allowed. The COVID-19 guidelines will be strictly followed on closed premises like factory and offices.

— The government has decided to hike the penalty for not wearing mask. It will Rs 1,000 for the first two offence and Rs 5,000 fine for further violation.

— Violation of social distancing norms in marriages and at commercial establishments to attract Rs 10,000 fine and it is likely to be hiked. The venue will be sealed in cases of social distancing norms violation.

— Not more than 10 people will be allowed to congregate and a fine of Rs 10,000 will be slapped on violators.

— Shopkeepers found violating social distancing norms will also be imposed Rs 10,000 fine and the shops sealed.

The chief secretary further said that COVID-19 positivity rate is declining in Odisha and the discharge rate is improving. “Scientific evidence shows positivity rate declining in hotspot areas. But it is still premature to predict anything as of now, but these are encouraging signs,” he said.