Bhubaneswar: Throwing COVID safety norms to the wind, Odisha Congress senior leader Suresh Kumar Routray was found visiting public places in the state capital without wearing a proper mask, a day after he and his wife tested positive for the virus.

The Jatni MLA was found sitting near Jaydev Bhawan here using his Gamuchha (a traditional thin cotton towel) as mask while addressing mediapersons from a distance.

As per the guidelines stipulated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a COVID infected person must isolate himself/herself and remain under self quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

When asked, the legislator said, "I heard that birth anniversary of eminent freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Odisha Harekrushna Mahatab on November 21 will not be observed in the state this year. I came out to express my opposition to this."

He continued, "Mahatab Jayanti is being observed in the state since years. The day will be commemorated till Congress party exists. This year, the party has planned various programmes, including a Padayatra from PMG Square here, to mark the day."

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Last evening, the MLA and his wife Malati tested positive for COVID-19. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took to Twitter and wished him a speedy recovery.