Bhubaneswar: From schools to airports, special advisories have been issued as a precautionary measure to combat Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Odisha. At present, four coronavirus suspects are undergoing treatment in special isolation ward in the State, informed Health department director, Ajit Mohanty on Thursday.
"We have four persons in isolation wards and we have sent their swab and other samples for tests," said Mohanty.
As international flights from Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur are arriving at Biju Patnaik International Airport, special screening of passengers is being conducted at the airport here. The ministry of Shipping also issued a guideline after discussing the Coronavirus situation with the authorities of Dhamara, Gopalpur and Paradip ports and State government officials through video-conferencing today.
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As per the directions of the Centre, School and Mass Education Department too issued an advisory and asked school teachers to be alert of any possible symptoms among students like coughing, fever or difficulty in breathing and inform the parents to get them checked. The advisory states that basic hygiene like washing hands thoroughly with soap and water and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer must be duly instilled among students. Besides, everyone should cover their mouth with a tissue/handkerchief when they cough or sneeze and wash their hands at regular intervals.
At a meeting chaired by Puri Collector today, the district administration has released an advisory for hoteliers. The administration has appealed everyone not to believe any rumours related to the outbreak of the virus.
Though two Italian tourists are presently in Puri, the district collector informed that both the tourists are healthy. Puri Collector, Balwant Singh appealed, “The foremost responsibility is not to believe unnecessary rumours and there is no need to panic.”
“Considering the nation-wide cases of Coronavirus, we are prepared to tackle the situation. We are following advisories released by the Health Ministry to all States. However, we need to remain alert to tackle any untoward situation,” informed Singh.