Odisha Govt Urges Dist Admins to Admit Beggars, Senior Citizens to Rehabilitation Centres Only After They Test Negative for COVID-19

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has urged the district administration to admit the beggars, senior citizens and destitute people to rehabilitation centres only after they test negative for COVID-19. 

The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has issued guidelines for all rehabilitation centres for beggars and old age homes operating in the State for admission of new inmates.

The Department has written a letter to all district Collectors to implement the order where New admission to any rehabilitation centres for poor/old-age homes will only be allowed after the concerned individual tests negative for Covid-19.

“Since destitute beggars and senior citizens are being referred to these centres/ homes during this pandemic, all such institutions should take adequate steps for ensuring prevention of COVID-19,” the letter said.

“In case of a newfound individual required to stay in any centre/ home is to be positively tested for COVID-19 and if found negative shall only be admitted to the same. Until such time their stay can be arranged by the local administration either in a transit house for the purpose or a COVID Care Centre, as the case may be.

All the Centres/ Homes should admit only such persons with COVID-19 negative certificates and/or persons who completed quarantine requirements, if any.

Follow the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Government from time to time and use all preventive care measures for which department has also extended necessary supports,” it added.