141 across Odisha under observation amid coronavirus scare

Bhubaneswar: At a time when the coronavirus (COVID-19) scare grips India, the Odisha government today said 141 persons across the State have been kept under observation.

The Information and Public Relations department said two persons with suspected coronavirus symptoms have been admitted to the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar and blood and swab samples of the concerned persons will be sent for tests.

This apart, the State government asked sarpanchs to report to the Block Development Officers (BDOs) about persons returning from abroad.

A Technical Advisory Committee will be formed soon. AIIMS, Bhubaneswar Director and medical experts will be members of the committee which will advice the State government on measures to tackle coronavirus, the I&PR department officials said.
Hospitals across the State including Primary Healthcare Centres will be sanitized. Arrangements will be made to provide clean water and supply electricity at the hospitals.

Industries Secretary Hemant Sharma said if any trader is found to be selling masks, sanitisers and gloves above the market retail price, strict action will be taken against the concerned person.

No decision has been taken on temporarily closure of shopping malls. Further action will be taken based on inputs from Collector and Police, he added.

All educational institutions have been closed till March 31, as per a decision of the State government. Women and Child Development department today decided on closure of Anganwadi Centres till March 31.

Meanwhile, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Arun Sahoo today rubbished the talks of eating chicken and egg will spread coronavirus. Chicken should be eaten after cooking it in adequate heat. People must not believe the rumours on coronavirus, he added.

The Odisha government appointed Subroto Bagchi as its chief spokesperson. He will monitor the data being reported on coronavirus and advise the team holding presser on the disease.

In view of coronavirus outbreak, Police Commissioner Sudhansu Sarangi issued advisory for malls:

Limit number of persons entering malls, Ask people to maintain 6 ft distance inside mall, not hold any sales-promotion event, Sales persons should wear masks and follow strict hand hygiene, all shops should keep alcohol-based sterilization liquid for public.

All coaching/tuition centres are covered under the closure order announced by Odisha government. Officials have been asked to ensure coaching centres follow the directive from tomorrow, the Police Commissioner added.