Odisha Government has made fresh amendments in the Covid19 unlock guidelines for the two Assembly Constituencies—Balasore and Tirtol—in view of the ensuing bye-elections on 3 November.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena has issued orders, which said that in view of the bye-elections to the 102- Tirtol (SC) Assembly Constituency in Jagatsinghpur district and 38- Balasore Assembly Constituency in Balasore district announced by the Election Commission of India to be held on 3rd November, 2020, political meetings and other functions/gatherings in connection with the said Bye-Election, as permitted by the ECI/CEO, Odisha or the empowered/authorized officers on that behalf, shall be allowed within the jurisdiction of the said Assembly Constituencies only subject to the certain conditions.
The orders said the meetings can be allowed in closed spaces with a maximum of 50 Percent of the hall capacity and ceiling of 200 persons.
Wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing, provision of thermal scanning and use of handwash or sanitizer will be mandatory, it said.
In open spaces, keeping the size of the ground/open space in view, the District Administration shall give permission for gathering for such number of persons as would be appropriate for ensuring strict observance of the physical distancing norms, the order said adding, “Wearing of masks, provision of thermal scanning and use of handwash or sanitizer will be mandatory.”
The District Magistrate of the district concerned shall ensure strict enforcement of the conditions for holding the political meetings and other functions, meetings in connection with the said bye-election, it said.
This order will come into force with immediate effect.
In fact, all social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other large congregations have been prohibited till 31 October across the State.
