Bhubaneswar: Even though Odisha has extended the Lock Down period till 30th April, it is going to relax the restrictions to give breathing space for economic activities to take off during the second phase of the Lock Down.

The State government Monday said that the industrial units and MSME unis will be opened during the second phase of lock down period. The restriction on movement of vehicles will be limited during this phase. Commercial activities by the forest department would be commenced soon.

“Industrial Units/MSME Units ensuring workers to stay within the industrial premises/ estates and adhering to social distancing norms (including other Government instructions) as approved by Collectors will be opened during 2nd phase Lock Down period.”
“Movement of all vehicles carrying essential commodities will be free from restriction during 2nd phase Lock Down Period. Similarly, vehicles belonging to Health Department along with the Institutions providing essential services will move without restriction.”
“During 2nd Phase Lock Down Period, activities of Forest & Environment Department such as plantation/Nursery activities, Kendu leaf operations, collection of minor forest products, processing and marketing, creation and maintenance of water bodies for wild animals will continue.”

“Production and Marketing by Self Help Groups and activities of Mission Shakti as decided by the Collectors will be carried during the second phase of the Lock Down period.”

Odisha government’s chief spokesperson on COVID-19 Subroto Bagchi, women & child development principal secretary Anu Garg, Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd. MD Yamini Sarangi, and BMC commissioner Premchandra Choudhary briefed the Press about steps taken by Government of Odisha for prevention of COVID-19.