Bhubaneswar: Odisha has not reported any positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) so far, a health official said on Friday, adding that the state government is well prepared to tackle any situation relating to the outbreak.
The official informed that the government has taken several steps including creation of isolation wards at different medical colleges and hospitals to treat the patients.
With the increase of suspected coronavirus patients in the state, the Centre has assured Odisha to set up a COVID-19 testing facility at Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, said a statement from the Health Department.
The Health Minister has also written a letter to the Union Health Minister requesting him to set up another testing facility at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, the statement added.
Besides creating isolation wards, airports at Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda were put on alert for the screening of patients suspected of being infected with coronavirus.
Till date 129 travellers who have returned from Coronavirus-affected countries after January 15 have been identified by the state surveillance system and kept under home quarantine as per the guideline, said a statement.
According to a public advisory issued by the state government, people have been asked to avoid hugging, shaking hands while greeting and keep their workplace clean to deal with coronavirus infection.
The government has also asked the employers to ensure workplace cleanliness.
It has also issued an advisory to schools to create awareness among students about common preventive interventions like hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
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