Odisha government allowed shopping malls, cinemas halls, theatres, and ‘Jatras’ to operate with 50% seating capacity

Bhubaneswar:31/7/21 Continuing with its decisions to ease Covid-19 restrictions for the month of August, the Odisha government today allowed shopping malls, cinemas halls, theatres, and ‘Jatras’ to operate with 50% seating capacity.

Elaborating about the guidelines for August Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena stated the malls, theatres, restaurants, bars, dhabas, and Jatras will reopen with half of their seating capacity across the State. Jena, however, stated people above 18 years visiting these establishments in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri will have to produce their fully vaccinated certificates.

Authorities of shopping malls, theatres, restaurants, and Jatras will have to ensure that people visiting these places adhere to the Covid protocols.

During the weekend shutdown in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, all the establishments will remain closed.

The SRC further informed beaches and parks will also reopen for visitors. The government-run Aahaar Centres across the State will operate as well.

Museums, tourist places, zoos including Nandankanan Zoological Park, and archaeological monuments will be allowed to open with Covid protocols.

The government has allowed weekly markets and daily markets to do business. Street food vendors will be allowed to do their business with on-spot eating in compliance with Covid-19 safety protocols.

Inter-State and Intra-State buses with seating capacity only will be allowed across the State.

Marriages will be permitted with approval from local authorities with a maximum limit of 25 persons and in case of thread ceremony, funerals, and last rites the number of persons participating shall not be more than 20.

All official meetings including business-to-business meetings will be allowed with the participation of a maximum of 100 persons. During official programs for inauguration and laying of foundation stone maximum of 30 persons will be permitted.

Jena stated religious places will be allowed to reopen on basis of the concerned Collectors and Municipal Commissioners. However, the SJTA and the Lingaraj Temple Administration will decide on the reopening of the Shree Jagannath Temple and the Lingaraj Temple respectively.

The SRC guidelines will be in force from 6 AM on August 1 to 6 AM on September 1, 2021.

Night curfew will remain in force from 8 PM to 6 AM across the State whereas weekend shutdown will be imposed in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri. Emergency services will be out of any restrictions.