Fresh Wave Of COVID-19: Stringent Screening At Airport, Stations In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Alarmed by a fresh wave of COVID-19 infection in some states, including Maharashtra and Kerala, the Odisha government has intensified screening at airport and railway stations.

Informing this Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Pradipta Mohapatra said those coming from ‘restricted’ states will have to produce a COVID-19 negative report at the airport and stations.

Discussions are also being held with experts from RMRC, ILS and Director of Public Health about travel restrictions, he added. Presently, only those passengers coming from five states where the cases are on the rise are being screened, Mohapatra said.

The checking system is already in place but now, the enforcement will be stringent, he added. Informing about other steps taken, Mohapatra said the travellers with symptoms will be screened and tested then and there.

The State Government has set up an expert team comprising six doctors to monitor the COVID-19 situation in all districts of Odisha. The government has also extended the COVID-19 testing from March-end to April 30.

The ACS, however, said there is nothing to panic and the situation in Odisha is under control. People coming to Odisha from other states might might deteriorate the situation hence precautions are being taken as we do not want to take any chances. District heads too have been asked to be watchful, he added.

The Health Secretary added vaccination for senior citizens in Odisha will be completed by May 15.