After three persons in the country were hospitalised with symptoms of Coronavirus following their return from China, the State Government has swung into action to prevent spreading of the virus in the State.
The Government issued a toll-free number for people to inform about suspected cases of coronavirus on Sunday and doctors and medical staffs conducted screening of passengers at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here on Monday.
The screening was done after the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a travel advisory to 19 airports on Friday. Moreover, the Ministry has also issued a self reporting form for passengers arriving at airports. The form will be available at immigration counter at the airports. Besides, Odisha Public Health Director Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty wrote a letter to the BPIA Director to ensure close monitoring of the situation and create facilities for management.
Addressing a Press meet, Health Secretary Nikunj Bihari Dhal said special wards have been set up at four hospitals, including SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack, AIIMS Bhubaneswar and Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla as part of precautionary measures.
“There is nothing to panic. Passengers arriving at Bhubaneswar Airport from Malaysia are being examined. A control room has also been opened to monitor the situation,” said Dhal.