Coronavirus Outbreak: CP orders social distancing measures

Bhubaneswar: In view of the likelihood of coronavirus outbreak, the Commissionerate Police today ordered special measures to check spread of the deadly bug.

In consultation with the municipal corporations of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the CP enforced social distancing measures by preventing people from congregating in large numbers.

1. All the shopping Malls inside the jurisdiction of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate will remain closed till 31st March, 2020.
2. The above closure order in respect of malls will not cover shops and commercial establishments selling groceries, vegetables, fruits, milk, medicines and other daily essential requirements
3. All commercial establishments, government offices will put strict social distancing measures like:

(a) Limit the number of persons entering into their premises at any given time

(b) Ask customers and employees to maintain six-feet distance,

(c) Not hold any promotional events, workshops, entertainment programmes, non-essential meetings and conferences, etc.

(d) Owners, occupants, managers of such commercial establishments/offices must ensure strict hand hygiene and respiratory etiquettes of their employees and provide for hand-wash with soaps and water and/or alcohol-based sanitization liquids. They will also ensure sanitization of table surfaces, doorknobs, light switches, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, etc.

(e) Not permit any employee with fever and dry-cough to work in their premises.

The order comes into effect from today. Any establishment office failing to comply with the above orders shall be liable to fine/prosecution/closure as may be considered necessary under the law. All police officers above the rank of ASIs may visit any such establishment and initiate appropriate legal action.