Berhampur: The COVID-19 cases in the Ganjam district have been on a decline as the district administration has strengthened its door-to-door testing. Briefing the media persons today, Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange vowed that the measures to control the spread of the disease will continue in the month of August.
“We are thankful for the cooperation from the public and were amazed at the good response to D2D testing. With our efforts, we have noticed an increased awareness on the usage of masks and hand hygiene,” said Kulange. He said that the lockdown has been extended till August 31 as mandated by the State Government. Additionally, the following rules will have to be followed:
- Entry and exit to the district will be restricted till month end, the only exception will be people out on essential or emergency causes.
- Entry and exit points will also be restricted for Ganjam’s urban areas, especially in Berhampur.
- People coming from rural areas to the urban areas will also be restricted since urban areas have more cases.
- Lockdown timings have been relaxed and shops can now remain open from 5 am to 4 pm. The shopkeepers will have to follow social distancing norms along with previously decided 5-point rule. Strict action will be taken against the shopkeepers who fail to follow this rule. Along with fine, FIR against the shopkeeper and even closure of shops for a month may also be imposed.
- Restriction on sale and consumption of tobacco products and spitting will remain
- Strict night curfew to imposed from 4 pm to 5 am every day
- The weekly shutdown will also be enforced as usual.
- Also Read: Shops In Ganjam To Follow 5-Point Charter, Collector Orders
The Collector also reiterated correct usage of masks and how this will help in the control of the COVID-19 situation.
Today’s briefer was also attended by Ganjam SP Brijesh Kumar Rai, Berhampur SP Pinak Mishra, Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) Commissioner Chakravarti Singh Rathore and other senior officials.
Ganjam SP urged people to not panic and follow the norms. He added that hefty fines for violating social distancing norms, not wearing masks, spitting and other reasons are only deterrent and not means to increase the district’s revenue.
Berhampur SP and BeMC Commissioner said that the current scenario is a dynamic one. What shops will be allowed to open will be based on past response and how strictly the rules are being followed.
