Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: State Election Commission (SEC) Odisha has relaxed certain restrictions imposed earlier for counting of votes of the ongoing Panchayat Polls. The Govt has taken this decision after keeping in view the declining trend of COVID-19 in the state.
Earlier, the SEC had issued instructions for compulsory COVID-19 testing (RT-PCR or Antigen) of all those entering counting centres within 48 hours of the commencement of counting. They have to go for the test even if they are fully vaccinated.
As per the revised guidelines all persons entering the counting centres should be thermally scanned. Only double vaccinated persons will be allowed inside the counting centres.
Besides, those showing COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed inside the centres, said the SEC.
In the third phase of the three-tier Panchayat Polls yesterday, voter turnout of 78.6 % was recorded with Subarnapur registering maximum poll percentage of 87.44% followed by Nabarangpur (86.33%) and Koraput (84.78%).
