Bhubaneswar: Disturbed by identification of a COVID-19 patient in the State, the Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik has urged all those coming to the State from abroad to register themselves by dialing to the toll free number 104. To encourage registration, the chief minister has annunced an incentive of Rs 15,000.
Patnaik in a statement has said: At this point of time the biggest source of infection of Covid-19, is persons coming from abroad into the State. With closure of Colleges, Universities etc ,coupled with lock down in many countries and home based work option for professionals it is expected there will be a huge surge of people returning from foreign countries into odisha. This multiplies the threat of Virus spread into Odisha.
The State government has decided on the following Regulation to further effectively monitor the situation:
Anyone who comes to Odisha from abroad has to register himself/ herself mandatorily in the toll free number 104 or the online portal. (covid19.odisha.gov.in) . This should be done within 24hrs of arrival with basic details and phone numbers. However advance registration before arrival will be highly preferable. Registrations can be done by the passenger or relatives or friends. They will be required to be in home quarantine for 14 days.
They will be given an incentive of Rs 15,000 for Registration and Home Isolation.
This direction is issued as per the over all regulations and anyone not complying the same will be punishable under the provisions of Indian Penal code and Criminal procedure code.
The location of the quarantined patient will be tracked during their home isolation and mandated number of calls will be made everyday to keep a close watch and give appropriate medical guidance.
However, to trace and track persons who have already entered the State, ( those who have entered the state on or after March 4th) a 48-hours’ period from 6am tomorrow to 19th March 6am is allowed to register themselves.
This will help the State in tracking persons who are already inside the State, sensitise them about home isolation and keep a watch on their health for effective monitoring of the situation.
This regulation will be in force till April 15th and maybe extended based on situation.
A student who came from Italy was found to have been affected by the deadly virus was detected, here on Monday. This is the first full proof case in the State. However, what worrying the State’s Team COVID-19 is that the student had travelled to Bhubaneswar from New Delhi by train after his arrival from Italy. The Team is also wondering how come he escaped the screening at the New Delhi International Airport.
