COVID-19: Night curfew in THESE 10 districts of Odisha from today, here's what’s allowed, what’s not

In the wake of rising COVID-19 cases, the government of Odisha has decided to impose a night curfew in 10 districts of the state.

The 10 districts where night curfew will be clamped are Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kahalandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri, stated a notification by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).

The curfew will come into effect from Monday (April 5) from 10 pm to 5 am.

As per the order, except for essential activities, all shops, commercial establishments, offices, institutions and movement of individuals will remain closed/ prohibited between 10 pm to 5 am.

The order also stated that orders will be issued by municipal commissioners and district collectors  for their respective jurisdictions under appropriate provisions of law, such as under Section 144 of CrPC and ensure strict compliance.

Any further restrictions may be imposed by the district collectors or they may allow activities which they feel are relevant as per the local situation.

The restrictions shall not apply to municipal employees, police, government officials on duty, doctors, paramedical staff (govt and private), ambulances and emergency health staff. 

Emergency staff of utilities such as electricity, fire services, telecom, water, railways, airport, transport service,  print and electronic media identified by Commissionerate and district police are also exempted from the night curfew restrictions.

The restrictions will not apply to movement of public transport, private vehicles and taxis (including cabs by aggregators like Ola, Uber) to and from airports, railway stations and bus terminals, stands and stops for facilitating movement of passengers by air, rail and road.

Petrol pumps and CNG stations would be operational. Home delivery of food, groceries, egg, meat, fish, vegetables and other essential items by restaurants and service providers such as Zomato, Swiggy, Opolfed, Omfed and Chilika Fresh will be allowed.

LPG distribution, home delivery of cooking gas and associated facilities, personnel and vehicular movement would continue and no pass is required.