Odisha To Start 3-Month Survey To Identify Symptomatic Cases

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced a three-month house-to-house survey to identify persons with COVID symptoms and co-morbid conditions.

Addressing an all-party meeting via video-conferencing, the Chief  Minister said the survey will be carried out by ASHAs and Anganwadi workers from May 24. They will be given additional incentive of Rs 1,000 per month for the three months, he added.

The ASHAs, engaged to monitor home isolation cases, will be provided one-time assistance of Rs 10,000 for bicycle, cupboard, slippers, umbrella and torch, he said.

Laying stress on ‘Community Involvement’ in combating  coronavirus, Naveen also announced Rs 10,000 each to Gaon Kalyan Samitis to carry out COVID-related activities at village level.

Stating that the state is in the midst of second wave, Naveen  said sarpanchs continue to have the powers of district collectors in enforcing lockdown and also free to start TMCs based on need and inflow of people from outside.

Calling upon the people’s representatives to educate masses about COVID appropriate behaviour, Naveen said the government will allow expenditure from MLALADS up to Rs 50 lakh for assisting in activities related to COVID management, including procurement of masks from Mission Shakti groups to distribute it among poor.