In view of the rapid spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the State Government on Monday announced lockdown in nine more districts to battle the deadly virus.
The lockdown will come into effect from 7 am on March 24 till 9 pm on March 29 in the districts of Puri, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur. Jajpur, Bhadrak, Baleswar, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur and Jharsuguda.
With this, 14 districts in the State are now under lockdown till March 29.
Previously, the districts of Khordha, Cuttack, Ganjam, Kendrapada and Angul as well as municipal jurisdictions of Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Jajpur, Jajpur Road, Bhadrak and Baleswar had been brought under lockdown.
With enforcement of lockdown norms in these above districts, the railways stations and bus-stands have been dropped from the exemption category.
The State Government on Monday clarified that all emergency services would be open during the lockdown in 14 districts and eight towns, a measure taken to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Health and Family Welfare Department asked the people not to panic and not to go outside unless there is an emergency.
The department further said in case of any query one can call the helpline no. 104 or visit www.covid19.odisha.go.in for further information.
A total of 3,474 persons have registered themselves with the COVID-19 portal so far whereas 76 samples were sent for tests. Of the total samples tested, two were found to be positive for COVID-19 so far.
As many as 56 persons have come in contact with the two COVID-19 patients. The Government further said 28 persons have been kept in isolation till now.
