Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha government announced partial unlock plans to relax the restrictions imposed in the State. The Covid-19 lockdown was initially imposed from May 5 to May 17. However, it was first extended to June 1 and subsequently to June 17 following the rise in the infection in the State.
Under the new unlocking measures, the lockdown restrictions will be eased in 17 districts (Category A) out of the 30 in the State from tomorrow. Shops will remain open between 6 am and 5 pm in these 17 districts. The Category A districts are in the southern and western parts of the State where the test positivity rate (TPR) is 5 per cent or less.
However, in the rest 13 districts (Category B), shops will remain open between 6 am and 1 pm. Coastal districts and the districts having more positivity rate have been included in the Category B districts.
He stated – “The Covid-19 infection rate has drastically declined and the test positivity rate (TPR) has come down to 6 per cent this week. I thank the people of Odisha for abiding by the lockdown measures strictly. The peak period in the State is already over and I hope if people continue to coordinate with the government, the situation can be completely brought under control in few days.’
The State government has decided to open sweet shops in the partial unlock period keeping in view the livelihood of milk producers. However, the shopkeepers are allowed to give items only in parcels.
Cycle (sale) and automobile repair shops will be opened as per the unlock plans. Street vending for taking away packet has been allowed only in 17 districts under Category A.
Morning walk, cycling and jogging activities are allowed but parks and gyms will remain closed.
All the restrictions regarding marriage, cremation, meetings, social gatherings, the opening of temples will continue as before, as per the partial unlocking measures.
All essential services, transport of goods, industrial activities, construction activities will be allowed but public bus services have been restricted.
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