Berhampur: A day after Odisha government issued notification for Unlock-13, Ganjam district administration on Saturday made some modifications in shop opening and night curfew timings which will remain in force in the district till August 31.
Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange on Sunday informed that almost all the guidelines issued by Odisha government will be applicable in the district. However, there will be strict restriction on the entry of people from rural areas to urban areas in the district including Berhampur.
There will be no restriction on the movement of people engaged in the essential services.
As per Kulange, the timings for opening of the shops in Ganjam district have been relaxed following strict compliance of social distancing norms by traders. Now, all the shops in the district will remain open from 5 AM to 4 PM.
“We will closely monitor whether the shop owners are following social distancing norms or not. In case of violations, the owners will be fined, FIR will be registered and even shops will be sealed,” said Kulange.
All the commercial units will have to ensure that a safe distance with customers is maintained. Shops will have to keep sanitisers and ensure all staff and customers wear masks, and register containing details of customers is maintained. The details from the register will help contact tracing if required in subsequent phases.
In Ganjam, there will be strict enforcement of the night curfew from 4 PM to 7 AM.
Weekend shutdown will remain in force on all Saturdays and Sundays till August 31, 2020.
“In the last 10 to 15 days, positive cases have shown a declining trend. The main reason is door-to-door screening in urban and rural areas by health workers, due to lockdown restrictions and observance of the guidelines by residents. However, the numbers are still high compared to other districts in the State,” Kulange said while urging people to follow the guidelines as the month of August will be crucial in the fight against COVID-19.
