Odisha government extends Coronavirus-induced lockdown till June 1

The health care and other emergency services have been allowed to operate during the lockdown, which is scheduled for 9 AM to 11 PM during the period of restriction

The State government in Odisha has extended the Coronavirus-induced lockdown to June 1, 2021.

The authorities have decided to make the extension in restrictions in order to “protect people with reduced risk of COVID infections.”

The health care and other emergency services have been allowed to operate during the lockdown, which is scheduled for 9 AM to 11 PM during the period of restriction.

Meanwhile, CMO Odisha earlier informed that Bhoomika multi-specialty hospital at Jajpur will function as a special Covid Hospital where all medical expenses will be borne by Odisha Govt.

“The hospital will have 150 oxygen beds, 50 ICU beds and will be helpful for treatment of critically ill patients of nearby districts,” it said.

The extension of lockdown, however, comes with stricter limits on the movement of people. Earlier, people had six hours from 6 AM to 12 PM to buy important goods like essentials, but the time has now been shortened to five hours.

Though the daily increase in COVID-19 cases remains about 10,000, it seems to have reached a halt. Because of the current lockout and weekend closure, the situation in western Odisha districts bordering Chhattisgarh has improved, according to Chief Secretary, S C Mohapatra.

The state government declared a 14-day complete lockdown on May 2 that began on May 5. However, the whole state was shut down for the weekends already.