Bhubaneswar, Mar 24 (IANS): The Odisha government on Tuesday declared a lockdown in all 30 districts of the state with effect from midnight till March 29 midnight to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Odisha government's spokesperson on COVID-19, Subroto Bagchi, said the state has decided on total lockdown though essential services will remain unaffected.
The decision was taken after a meeting of Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy with all District collectors.
Earlier, the state had announced lockdown in five districts and eight cities. It was extended to 14 districts on Monday.
He said private organisations working in coordination with the state government in fighting coronavirus will function.
Besides, banks and ATMs will continue their operations with 10 per cent workforce as per the government advisory.
So far, two persons have been positive for coronavirus in the state.