Odisha’s COVID-19 Norms For March: Major Relief For ‘Jatra’ Operators

Bhubaneswar: Opera parties and open air theatres can perform their show with a cap of maximum 2000 audiences amid strict adherence to Covid-19 norms as the Odisha government issued fresh guidelines for March 2021 on Saturday.

In its order, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), however, has empowerd the local administration to take a call on all entertainment activities in their respective areas.

Side by side, hosts of marriage and funeral events will have to provide masks to the participants who should not exceed more than 500, the order read. They will ensure proper use of masks by the guests during the entire duration of the function.

“Open air/ Jatra/Operas shall be permitted by the local authorities subject to compliance of Covid -19 safety protocols such as mandatory wearing of face masks, physical distancing, provision of thermal scanning.  Keeping the size of the ground/space in view , appropriate number of persons (subject to a celling of 2000 persons) will be allowed,” the order read.

For Jatra and open air events, the organisers have to arrange multiple ticket counters and ensure online booking to avoid crowd. The organisers will be held responsible for violation of any of the norms prescribed by the government, SRC letter stated.