Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday issued an order to enforce ‘no mask no entry’, ‘no mask no goods’ and ‘no mask no fuel’ rule in Odisha’s capital to check the spread of COVID-19.
Earlier in the day, BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange had informed that the civic body was planning such a step and that an order would be issued shortly.
Kulange further said that apart from enforcing COVID safety norms, the focus will be on vaccination and testing. “The number of tests has been increased to 2,000 a day and it will reach 3,000 soon,” he said.
While the special vaccination drive for 18-59 age group began at 12 centres on Friday, the Commissioner said the number of centres will be increased and there will be provision for online booking of slots for the purpose.
The BMC plans to vaccinate around 8 lakh people in the free vaccination drive during the next 75 days.
“1929 helpline has been launched to help patients consult doctors. Senior officials of BMC will also visit and monitor the situation at ward level,” the Commissioner said. The number of rapid response teams (RRTs) will also be increased if required, he added.
BMC has issued the below advisory for all concerned to be cautious & follow appropriate #COVID behaviour like wearing #Mask properly covering nose & mouth, maintaining #SocialDistancing, #HandHygiene.
"No Mask No Entry/No Mask No Goods"#BMCFightsCOVID @CMO_Odisha @IPR_Odisha pic.twitter.com/WtJcWp1dde— BMC (@bmcbbsr) July 16, 2022