Khurda: There will be no Ganesh Puja in Khurda district this year to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases, Collector Sanat Kumar Mohanty said on Tuesday.
Following a review meeting on the COVID-19 situation in the district, the collector said that no puja committee or organisation will be allowed to hold Ganesh puja in any public place. To ensure this, a special team will be formed to conduct surprise visits in the district.
Besides Khurda, the Gajapati and Ganjam district administrations and the twin city commissionerate police have also announced similar restrictions.
Mohanty stated that asymptomatic patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be allowed to stay in home isolation.
Also, an awareness campaign on the mandatory use of masks and strict adherence to social distancing guidelines will be launched in the district, he said. “If necessary, drastic action will be taken against the people for violation of the shutdown norms,” he added.
Also Read: COVID-19 Scare: No Ganesh Puja In Odisha’s Ganjam This Year