Odisha Govt Revokes COVID Containment Order; Other Restrictions To Continue

Bhubaneswar: The state government on Thursday revoked its order issued in 2020 on containment measures for COVID pandemic.

According to an order issued by the office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), the government took the decision on revoking the containment order issued on March 13, 2020 in pursuance to the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 following instructions from the Central government.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had informed the state on March 22 that after taking into consideration the overall improvement in the COVID situation and preparedness of the government to deal with the pandemic, NDMA has decided that there may not be any further need to invoke the provisions of the DM Act for COVID containment measures.

The Ministry had instructed all states and Union Territories to consider discontinuing issue of orders and guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for COVID containment measures. It also stated that no further order would be issued in this regard.

“Hencef0rth, orders and guidelines under the Disaster Management Act 2005 shall not be issued for COVID containment measures. Wherever any surge in the number of cases is observed, the Health and Family Welfare department may take prompt and proactive action as advised by MOHFW from time to time,” the SRC order stated.

However, the Ministry’s advisories on COVID restrictions including use of mask and hand hygiene will continue to remain in force, the SRC said.