Bhubaneswar: Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and reports suggesting that outbreak might peak in June, Odisha on Monday announced weekend shutdown for the month in 11 districts of the state, anticipating that people might venture out in large numbers as the Centre has eased lockdown curbs.
The state government has also prohibited all sorts of public congregations across the state till month-end, Chief Secretary A K Tripathy said. "Educational institutions, including schools, colleges, coaching centres, will remain closed till the end of July, while places of worship will be shut for devotees up to June 30.
Similarly, shopping malls, cinema halls, swimming pools and gyms will also remain closed till June-end, he said. Hotels, however, will be