Will lockdown return in Odisha after COVID-19 surge?

Amid the surge of Covid-19 in some states in the country of late, the Odisha government on Saturday cautioned people to follow the pandemic protocol strictly in order to avoid the possible return of lockdown situation in the State.

“We can’t rule out the likelihood of a re-imposition of lockdown if people don’t take the necessary precautions to keep the virus at bay,” cautioned CBK Mohanty, Director DMET.

Significantly, Mohanty’s statement comes at a time when the daily COVID-19 cases are already in double digits in Odisha.

However, keeping in mind the spike of COVID-19 cases in states like Maharashtra and Kerala, the senior health official’s appeal is a reminder of the fact that the virus is still potent and might make a comeback in case of laxity.

The Maharashtra government has renewed restrictions on movement and clamped night curfew in parts of the State following the surge in cases which took heath officials there by surprise.

Mohanty said though there is no immediate possibility of similar lockdown condition in Odisha, “it cannot be ruled out altogether.”

“It is people who will determine whether lockdown and shutdown if they don’t strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols and guidelines to keep the infection spread under check,” said Mohanty.
According to Mohanty, containment zones are being earmarked by the respective district administration which has been given a free hand to decide as per the Covid-19 situation in their respective areas.

“The situation in Odisha is not like what is happening in Maharashtra or Kerala. As of now there is no possibility of lockdown in Odisha as the situation is under control. But everybody needs to follow appropriate COVID behaviour. If situation warrants lockdown and other restrictions will be clamped,” Mohanty said, adding, “ In Odisha, we are in sporadic state and every possible precaution is being taken to contain another outbreak.”

As per the latest Union Health Ministry data, as high as 75 per cent of the new confirmed cases in the country are from two states – Maharashtra and Kerala.

Sensing threats of a second wave in the State, the additional chief secretary (Health) PK Mohapatra on Friday sent an SoS to all Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, Police Commissioner directing them to ensure strict enforcement of COVID behaviour in their respective districts to avoid the possible return of corona virus spread.

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