In view of Bhubaneswar becoming the epicentre of COVID-19 outbreak in Odisha, the State Government has prepared a new strategy for the capital city to effectively tackle the virus during the second phase of the lockdown.
“As part of precautionary measures, we have decided to intensify COVID-19 tests in upcoming days to identify persons infected with the deadly virus,” said Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy here on Friday.
Under the new strategy, the focus would be on scaling up of tests in Bhubaneswar to detect the positive cases in the city.
Tripathy said the city has been divided into three zones headed by six IAS officers for active surveillance. A total of 1958 (38%) samples have been collected from Bhubaneswar so far and the number would be increased significantly.
“To make Bhubaneswar safe, we have decided to test 5,000 samples in next seven days. We have prepared a priority-basis methodology for COVID-19 testing in Bhubaneswar,” Tripathy said.
Persons with travel history, those having symptoms and persons who have come in contact with active cases in hotspot areas, COVID-19 workers including health workers, police, sanitisation workers and people aged above 60 years with co-morbid diseases like hypertension and diabetes are on the priority list for testing. Besides, random samplings would also be carried out.
“If any person is required to undergo COVID-19 test under the new strategy in Bhubaneswar and he or she does not cooperate with the officials concerned voluntarily, we will be bound to take help of the administration and police,” he warned.
He said the Government is considering relaxing restrictions on economic activities after April 20 in low-risk areas where positive cases have not been reported in Bhubaneswar.
“Wearing mask is compulsory to tackle the virus and its violation will attract penalty,” he said.
He also said that spiting in public places is also now a compoundable offence and the violators would be penalised. “While a Rs 200-fine will be collected from each violator in first three times, thereafter the violator will be slapped with a penalty of Rs 500 fine,” he said.
“The BEO, Additional Tehsildar, ASI of Police and municipality Ward Officer will be assigned to enforce the rule,” he added.