Rayagada: The Ragada administration on Wednesday announced a weeklong shutdown in the entire district from Thursday, following a spike in COVID-19 cases with 96 people testing positive for the virus in the last 24 hours.
Collector Pramod Kumar Behera said that the shutdown will remain in force till July 29.
Barring vegetable and grocery shops, filling stations, milk supply and health services, the remaining establishments including government and private offices and banks will remain closed during this period, he said.
Besides, there will be no vehicular movement in the district except for the transport of essential goods.
The people have been asked to stay at home and venture out only in case of any emergency.
The district has so far reported 338 positive cases. With 139 patients having recovered from the infection, the number of active cases stands at 197.