Odisha Govt Urges Close Monitoring of Persons Returning from Cyclone Shelters for COVID Symptoms

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government today urged the district administrations to closely monitor the persons returning from cyclone shelters and those engaged in cyclone management and restoration in the fields for COVID-19 symptoms.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) PK Mohapatra wrote to the Collectors of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Puri, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Angul and Khurdha in this regard.

Due to cyclone Yaas, many families had been shifted to cyclone shelters, where due to necessity they stayed in close quarters. Further, many persons engaged in cyclone restoration works in the field have also, due to necessity, worked in close proximity to others. As the families in the cyclone shelters are now returning to their homes and the restoration works will also be completed over time, it is important that the concerned persons should be closely monitored for Covid symptoms over the coming weeks, the letter stated.

To ensure this, the house to house survey teams should be sensitised to be particularly vigilant in surveillance of the cyclone shelter returned families and field restoration team persons. Such persons should also be sensitised to monitor their own health In case of any symptoms. They should be immediately isolated and tested for Covid-19, the letter added.