Odisha Govt Issues COVID-19 Norms For Bypolls To 2 Assembly Constituencies

Bhubaneswar: The state government has issued a fresh set of guidelines for containment of spread of COVID-19 including those for two byelections after the Central government revised the unlock norms on Wednesday.

As per the state government’s guidelines, the lockdown will be enforced in containment zones till October 31. While the district collector and municipal commissioner will demarcate the zones, essential activities will be allowed.

Considering the bypolls announced by the Election Commission of India in Tirtol (SC) in Jagatsinghpur district and Balasore constituencies on November 3, the government stated that political meetings, gatherings and functions will be allowed within the jurisdiction of the constituencies subject to a ceiling of 100 persons.

In case of such meetings in closed premises, maximum 50% of the capacity of the facility subject to 100 persons ceiling is allowed. Permission for gatherings in open space will be given keeping the size of the place in view, subject to 100 persons maximum.

Besides, wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision of thermal scanning of the people and hand wash will be mandatory at meeting places.

The district magistrates will strictly enforce the conditions at the meeting places, the order of Special Relief Commissioner stated.