Odisha to act tough against quarantine violators

Bhubaneswar: In view of reports of returnees violating quarantine conditions, Odisha government has decided to act tough against them to prevent spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community level.

Briefing a presser today, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy warned violators, who have returned from other states to Odisha, of ‘strict action’ for not following the norms at quarantine centres.

“The returnees, who are creating nuisance and escaping from quarantine centres, will be shifted and will be kept at quarantine centres away from their districts. If they violate the rules, will face arrest. Their quarantine period will be extended and no incentive will be paid after completion of quarantine period,” said Tripathy.

He directed the Sarpanches whom the state has delegated powers of District Collectors, to closely monitor the quarantine conditions and take necessary action against the violators.

On the reports of entrance of buses into Odisha without pass from the sending states, the Chief Secretary asked the migrants to procure valid pass for the vehicles before heading for home state and provide details about their vehicles.

“It has been reported that some buses are not following the routes prescribed by Odisha Government. Strict action will be taken by seizing the buses and quarantine period of returnees will be increased if the routes are not followed properly,” he said adding that the buses without pass and the overcrowded buses carrying people stranded outside Odisha will not be allowed to enter into the state and will be sent back.

He lauded the migrants who reached today in Odisha from Kerala by a special train.

“The rules were nicely followed and the returnees have been sent to quarantine set up in different areas in 20 districts,” Tripathy said.

Once again, he appealed to returnees to adhere to quarantine norms to avoid further legal action.

“You have agreed voluntarily on the quarantine conditions while filling up the pre-registration form and it has to be complied,” he said.