Oops! Odisha Collector Forgets Mask While Out To Inspect COVID-Appropriate Behaviour

Berhampur: A day after issuing a fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent COVID-19 resurgence, Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange on Sunday pedalled through the Silk City to take stock of the situation.

While people of Ganjam district have been asked to strictly adhere to COVID-appropriate behaviour, the collector was seen without a mask during the cycling tour.

Also Read: Odisha’s Ganjam Dist Issues SOP to Prevent Resurgence Of COVID-19

On Saturday, he had directed block-level officials and urban local bodies to ensure strict implementation of the SOP in crowded places, including markets, religious institutions, public and private offices, transport services and roadside stalls. The government offices must ensure wearing of face mask by the employees, hand sanitisation at the entrance and social distancing, the SOP added.

Ganjam, which had turned into a COVID-19 spot following the return of migrants, has reported nil new cases on almost all days of February.

The collector has been appreciated for the strict measures and surveillance to contain the spread of the virus in the district in the past. He was also among those who took the jab during the initial hours of the second-phase vaccination drive against COVID-19 for frontline workers on February 6.

However, one requires to wear the mask even after being vaccinated as it acts as a barrier and helps prevent the respiratory droplets from reaching others.

It is also pertinent to mention here that the collector has long been promoting cycling as a mode of transport and fitness regime.

In March 2020, Kulange had cycled through the city to take stock of the sanitation work. A month prior to that, he was seen pedalling around Chhatrapur promoting a healthy lifestyle and creating awareness on maintaining cleanliness.