Odisha Fights COVID: Bhubaneswar To Enforce ‘No Mask No Entry’ & ‘No Mask No Goods’ Norms

Bhubaneswar: To combat the sharp rise in COVID infections in the Odisha capital, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to tighten up measures by making ‘no mask no entry’ mandatory for malls and commercial outlets.

‘No mask no entry’ and ‘no mask no goods’ norms will be enforced across the city, BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange said, adding that malls and business establishments will be asked to display these messages at their entrance.

An order to this effect will 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 with around 3,800 persons inoculated with precaution doses on the first day, 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 targets to vaccinate around 8 lakh persons 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.

Notably, Bhubaneswar reported 325 new cases on Friday, which was almost 98% of the total cases detected in Khurda district. The city now has 980 active cases. Another 361 cases have been reported from Khurda in the last 24 hours.