As part of precautionary measures to contain spread of Covid-19 after Cyclone Yaas, the State Government on Thursday asked the district authorities to check health conditions of the evacuated families as well as the personnel deployed in cyclone management and restoration works for symptoms of the deadly infection.
In an order, Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra directed the Collectors of 12 districts affected by the cyclone to closely monitor the health conditions of the people who have taken shelter and the officials who were on the cyclone duty. Many families in the districts of Baleswar, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Puri, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Angul and Khordha had been shifted to cyclone shelters to keep themselves safe from Yaas. Further, many officials engaged in restoration activities worked in close proximity to the affected villagers. “As the families in the cyclone shelters are now returning to their homes and the restoration work will also be completed over time, it is important that the concerned persons should be closely monitored for Covid symptoms over the coming weeks,” the order issued by the Health & Family Welfare Department stated.
The Additional Chief Secretary ordered to be vigilant in surveillance of the cyclone shelter-leaving families and the persons engaged in restoration work.
“Such persons should also be sensitised to monitor their own health. In case of any symptoms, they should be immediately isolated and tested for Covid-19,” Mohapatra said, asking the Collectors that above instructions should be implemented meticulously.