After a sudden surge in Covid-19 positive cases, the administration on Wednesday announced a seven-day shutdown in the entire Rayagada district.
The shutdown with effect from Thursday would remain in force till July 29.
The administration declared the shutdown to curb the virus spread following 96 new positive cases were reported from the district on the day. Active surveillance and contact tracing would be carried out in the district during the period, said the administration.
All shops, commercial establishments and Government and private organisations would remain closed while both private and public transport would be restricted during the period. However, essential services like hospitals and medicine shops, movement of goods carriers and other economic activities would continue to function.
Till now the district has reported 338 positive caseswith 197 active cases. While 139 patients have recovered from the disease, two have succumbed to the virus.