Odisha Fights COVID-19: Now, It’s Mandatory To Wear Face Covers While Stepping Out Of House

Bhubaneswar: The state government on Monday directed people of Odisha to cover their mouth and nose with any available form of masks while stepping out of their houses.

In a notification, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department said masks have been found to be extremely useful in controlling and containing COVID-19, which is believed to be spreading through droplets.

“The general public is directed to cover their mouth and nose with any available
form of mask while stepping out of house for any purpose. A handkerchief or any other
piece of cloth in at least two layers can also be used for the purpose,” it said.

This order will come into effect from 7 am on April 9 and will remain in force till further orders.

Besides, it is imperative to adopt strict social distancing and isolation measures to
contain the spread of the disease, it added.

The district/municipal Authorities have been directed to strictly ensure that there is no crowding and people use any form of masks/clothes such as handkerchiefs. bandanas. gamuchha or dupatta while stepping out of their houses,.

“Disposable/single use masks should be properly disposed of by following due procedure prescribed by Health and Family Welfare Department. Cloth masks should be cleaned with soap/detergent/disinfectant and water and sun dried for at least 5 hours after every single use. Masks used by one person must not be used by any other person,” it added.