Bhubaneswar: Declaring the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) as a State disaster, the Odisha Government on Friday announced its decision to shut down all educational institutions and cinema halls, as a precautionary measure, till March 31.
Announcing this in the State Legislative Assembly Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, said, “All educational institutions shall remain closed till March 31, 2020 except for holding examinations. Non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops, conferences are to be cancelled.”
“Social gatherings and assemblies like religious functions, marriage receptions, parties etc. are to be regulated by local authorities. Cinema halls, swimming pools and gyms were also closed till March 31,” said the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Patnaik declared COVID-19 as a ‘disaster’ for the State under the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 to adequately empower our public officials to combat the spread of COVID-19 and earmarked Rs 200 crore to deal with the spread of Coronavirus pandemic.
