Stringent Action against Violators of Quarantine Guidelines: Chief Secretary

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government will take strict action against violators of quarantine guidelines especially the stranded people who are returning from other states.

This comes in the backdrop of some incidents in Ganjam district where about 150 Surat returnees reportedly escaped government quarantine facility.

Taking a serious note of the incident, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy has said that this can lead to serious health hazard for them and for the people of Odisha. Hence, those violating the norms will face stringent action.

The government will send the violators to quarantine centers to faraway places and the financial assistance to be given to them will also be cancelled. The administration can even arrest the people who do not obey the required guidelines.

In a special press briefing, the Chief Secretary said, the government is taking all steps for the safe return of the stranded people to Odisha.

The Chief Minister has talked with four Chief Ministers in this regard. But, in some places we have found that the people are violating the norms. There are incidents where some people are coming to the state without valid documents and passes.

The government has decided not to allow the buses without proper passes. Also, the buses coming not in conformity of the given routes will be returned back.

All persons and vehicle returning have to register themselves in the special Covid Website of the Odisha Government.

Border check posts have been set up strict checking is being done there. Overcrowded buses will also be returned back to their originating places. The government will take strict action against the violations.

The Sarapanhas have been given important powers to manage the situation in the villages. They have the responsibility to look after the quarantine facilities. They need to check the quarantine conditions and if required take legal action against the violators of quarantine guidelines.