Extending lockdown, Odisha also announces relief measures for those working in Agriculture

Odisha on Thursday became first state in country to extend ongoing lockdown in state till April 30 to effectively contain spre of coronavirus. In second phase of lockdown, state government has offered some relief measures to people who work in  Agricultural sector or are related to it. According to a local media report, government has lifted restrictions for all agricultural activities. 

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led government has allowed transportation of seeds, movement of tractors during second phase of lockdown. According to report, all vegetables will be procured directly from farmer producer organisations and all cold stors and godowns will be kept open. 

'Your discipline and sacrifice has provided us strength'

"During ongoing lockdown period amid COVID-19 crisis, your discipline and sacrifice has provided us strength to fight COVID-19," said Chief Minister Patnaik when he me anuncement of extending lockdown in a video mess. decision was anunced after a cabinet meeting where importance and need of extension were discussed at length.

Naveen Patnaik anunced, "At this crucial juncture, one has to decide between protecting lives of people and ecomic activity. We will recommend to Government of India to extend national lockdown up to April 30. In dition to this, we will also request Union Government t to start airline and railway services till April 30," said a statement from Odisha government.

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Odisha government will also take special measures for various sectors. Activities related to agriculture, animal husbandry and MGNREGS will be facilitated during lockdown period following social distancing rms, statement ded.

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CM Patnaik also said, "As has been stated earlier, re will t be any problem in transport of goods. We are leaving stone unturned in scaling up COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities. We propose to conduct one lakh rapid tests in state at earliest possible time."

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new coronavirus cases were reported as of 8:00 AM on Apr 13 in Odisha, according to data released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This brings total reported cases of coronavirus in Odisha to 54. Among total people infected as on date, 12 have recovered and 1 has passed away.

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(With ncy inputs)