Bhubaneswar: In the wake of coronavirus scare across the country, the Odisha Government on Friday declared to close down all cinema halls till 31st March in the State.
Ina statement in the Assembly, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “Cinema Halls, swimming pools and gyms are to be closed till 31.03.2020.”
In a fight against corona virus, Odisha Government today announced slew of steps including cancellation of non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops, conferences. Social gatherings and assemblies like religious functions, marriage receptions, parties etc. are to be regulated by local authorities.
The Naveen Patnaik led Government has also invoked Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to combat the spread of Corona virus.
The Government has also declared COVID-19 as a disaster for the State under the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 to adequately empower our public officials to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Naveen further termed the current corona virus crisis as human beings as a race facing one of the biggest challenges of the century”.
Appealing all to cooperate in fighting against deadly corona virus, Naveen said, “This response cannot be only at the individual, Government or Sectoral level. Each one of us in Odisha has to rise to the occasion, and be responsible. In the absence of any Vaccine or treatment.. Our collective responsibility is the only hope we have, to fight this epidemic.”
The only effective measure so far has been social distancing. All of us should ruthlessly practice social distancing, the CM said.
The World Health Organisation has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. It has urged upon all member States to take urgent and aggressive action to contain the spread of the pandemic.
“We must remain calm but not complacent. We must remain prepared, but not panic,” the CM added.
Meanwhile, the Health & Family Welfare Department and its Directorates, as well as the Collectors and the Municipal Commissioners have been authorised for making emergency procurement of necessary drugs and consumables, equipment and other required services etc. as are necessary to prevent, contain COVID-19.