The Odisha government on Monday announced weekend — Saturday and Sunday— shutdown in all the urban areas of the state. The state has already clamped night curfew in all the urban areas of the state.

Announcing it Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena said: “The second wave of the Covid-19 is spreading at a fast rate. There is no alternative except to strictly implement the new guidelines. It will be effective from April 24. All the emergency services and essential services, including milk booths, distribution of papers and ATMs will be allowed to operate. The people will also be allowed to travel but have to show their tickets.”

Jena said: “Marriage and funeral functions will be held with permission of local authority. The organisers will have to give the list of people attending the function. If during the marriage function, any deviation is noticed, the vehicles, band parties will be seized. Action will be taken against the organisers.”