Bhubaneswar: The spike in Covid-19 cases in several States in the country has rung an alarm bell, especially among the health department officials in Odisha who have now geared up to prevent a similar outbreak for the second time in the State.
Apart from the senior administrative officials, there seems to be panic among people as they are anticipating an imposition of lockdown by the State government in the coming days.
Even though Covid-19 seems to very much under control in Odisha, which is reporting new cases in double digits for the past one week, the State Health Minister Naba Das on Monday said that the possibility of a lockdown cannot be ruled out either.
While talking to reporters, Das said, “We are keeping a close watch on the COVID situation in Odisha and also in other States in the country. If COVID-19 situation worsens, lockdown might be imposed in the State.”
According to the health minister, the COVID-19 situation is aggravating in several states including Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh which have reported a sudden spike in new cases.
The Odisha government is aware of the situation and already the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has issued necessary guidelines to district Collectors, Municipal Commissioners and Police officials to ensure strict compliance of COVID-19 protocols.
Following the SOS call, respective district administrations have come up with special guidelines to put a check on large congregations and strict enforcement of COVID protocols in markets and other public places.
The Police department officials have been advised to ensure strict observance of Covid-19 safety protocols such as mandatory wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing in public places, including workplaces and educational institutions.
“We had a discussion with the Commissionerate Police on strictly implementing the Covid appropriate measures. Besides, the BMC has formed five special enforcement squads to detect violation and ensure compliance of the safety norms. Already, both had started their enforcement drive in the city,” said BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)