Unlock Odisha: Govt To Announce New Guidelines At 3.30 PM Today

Bhubaneswar: Will the weekend shutdown continue in the three cities – Bhubaneswar, Cuttack & Puri? Will the duration of the night curfew be shortened?

Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Jena will announce the new COVID guidelines for September at 3.30 pm on Tuesday, official sources said.

The traders’ organisations, especially in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri, have demanded the lifting of the weekend shutdown while Jatra artists have urged the government to relax the night curfew as they are unable to hold shows despite being granted permission.

If sources are to be believed the weekend shutdown is likely to continue in September and there will not be many changes in COVID management guidelines, considering the rising number of children getting infected by COVID, the upcoming festive season and the lurking fear of the third wave.

The infection rate in the 0-18 age group touched 17 per cent on Tuesday while 37 have died due to the deadly disease in the second wave. The toll in August has crossed the 2000-mark.

Also Read: Odisha COVID Update: Infection Rate In 0-18 Age Group Rises To 17%

The high caseload in Khurda and Cuttack is also a cause for concern. Khurda is in the red zone with 2815 active cases. The remaining 29 districts are in the green zone with Cuttack (845) and Balasore (475) leading the tally.

Also Read: August COVID Toll In Odisha Crosses 2K; 2-Month-Old Baby Girl Among 68 FResh Fatalities

Notably, 3255 of the total 7255 active cases are from Bhubaneswar.

Also Read: Weekend Shutdown To Continue In 3 Odisha Cities; Malls & Cinema Hall To Reopen With Rider