Jajpur: Sarpanchs of Binjharpur block in Jajpur district have decided to impose a shutdown in their panchayat areas amid rising Covid-19 cases.
The announcement was made after all 29 panchayats of the block passed a resolution to this effect.
A copy of the resolution was also sent to the district collector, seeking cooperation to impose the shutdown.
The shutdown will be imposed in two phases – from June 8 to June 10, and June 14 to June 17, the resolution said.
There will be no shutdown on June 11, and June 12 and 13 will be covered by the weekend shutdown imposed by the state government.
Sarpanch of Mansada panchayat Rama Chandra Behera said the decision was taken following discussions with residents, local market committees and traders.
Binjharpur block reported 1,664 COVID-19 cases till Sunday.
“Due to violation of social distancing norms in the villages and rural markets, the COVID-19 cases in the block witnessed a surge. The markets will be more crowded as both Raja and Sabitri festivals are approaching,” said Uttangara sarpanch Minati Sahoo.
This is the first instance in the state where people have voluntarily opted for a shutdown to contain the spread of the virus.
PTI