Several Odisha Govt Offices Closed After Employees Test Positive For COVID-19

Bhubaneswar: Several Odisha government offices have been closed after detection of COVID-19 cases among employees.

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) was shut today for 48 hours after two of its staff tested positive for the virus. Similarly, restrictions were clamped on visit by public to Jajpur Sadar Tehsil office after the concerned Tehsildar tested COVID positive.

Besides, several government offices across districts have barred public visits to their premises till July 8 in view of the rising COVID-19 infection.

“After the detection of COVID-19 positive cases, we have shut the BDA office for 48 hours to carry out disinfection of the premises,” Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Kalinga Nagar Sub-Collector, Santosh Mishra said, “People can apply online and get land pattas and other certificates by staying indoors. So, there is no justification in people visiting government offices and crowding the premises.”

Amid the increasing trend of government employees getting infected by the virus, Odisha Health department has already released guidelines directing all the departments and sub-ordinate offices to operate with 50 per cent staff.

Besides, employees have been permitted to work from home and advised to take preventive measures (in offices) like maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet, using face covers or masks and frequent hand washing (for at least 40-60 seconds).

Meanwhile, the State government has advised each department to appoint a senior officer as Covid Compliance Officer who will ensure strict implementation of the guidelines by conducting daily office inspection and will submit weekly COVID Audit report to the head of the office.

“Offices will run with half employee strength and a nodal officer will be there to inspect the strict enforcement of the guidelines,” said Niranjan Mishra, Director of Public Health.

(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)

Read More:

COVID-19 Spike: Odisha Govt Offices To Function With 50 Per Cent Staff

Odisha Unlock 2.0: Schools & Colleges To Remain Shut Till August 31, Night Curfew From 9 Pm To 5 AM