The district administration of Jharsuguda on Friday announced a seven-day shutdown in the headquarters town starting from August 30 following a steep rise in the Covid-19 positive cases.
However, essential and medical services will be allowed for five hours in a day from 6 am to 11 am during the shutdown, which will remain in force till September 5.
As per district Collector Saroj Kumar Samal, within a week, more than 180 positive cases have been identified in the town, which is a matter of concern for the administration. This is indicative of a community transmission.
Factories can run buses for transport of workers. One-third employees of Bhusan Power & Steel staying at Jharsuguda will remain in home isolation from August 30 to September 9. For the other workers, 10 days’ isolation will be compulsory as per the list made by the district administration.
Notably, the district has so far reported 1,033 positive cases, including 415 active ones. However, 617 patients have recovered while one succumbed to the disease.