Malkangiri: The district administration Monday decided to clamp night curfew from Tuesday as part of a preventive measure to check the spread of COVID-19 following a steep rise in the number of cases in the state.
District Collector Y Vijay gave his approval to an order directing imposition of night curfew in the district. The order said the night curfew will remain in force in Malkangiri from 9 pm to 6 am from March 23 till March 31, 2021. During the enforcement of the night curfew, movement of individuals shall be strictly prohibited except for essential activities.
Notably, 146 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the state over last 24 hours, the maximum over last 40 days. Speculations are rife that similar measures might be extended in other parts of the state as well.
The district administration also restricted the number of people in meetings, theatres, operas and cinemas to 200 during the prevalence of the night curfew.
People were barred from participating in Dola Purnima and Holi festivals at public places scheduled for March 28 and 29 and to keep their celebrations confined. ‘Dola Melans’ are allowed with 50 participants with strict adherence to COVID-complaint behaviors and norms.
The district administration has restricted the number of participants to 200 in the ‘Bada Yatra’ festival currently being held in the district. This apart, residents have been asked to abide by the Covid-19 restrictions of wearing face masks and maintaining a minimum social distance of 6-ft.
This apart, the SP has been asked to keep a watch on the entry and exit points of Bada Yatra festival and to ensure that devotees participating in the festival abide by the Covid-19 norms.
The temple managements in the district have been asked not to allow large assemblage of devotees on their temple premises and any violation of the order will be severely dealt with. Religious rituals in temples will continue as usual with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Earlier in the day, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will take stock of the pandemic situation at a review meeting Tuesday to decide on the next course of action for containment of the spread.
PNNN