Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government will collect 5,000 samples for Covid-19 testing alone in Bhubaneswar within seven days, informed Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy here on Friday.
Of the 60 positive cases so far tested in State, Bhubaneswar alone reported 46 positive cases thereby becoming a Covid-19 hotspot.
“We have prepared a plan namely ‘Bhubaneswar Strategy’ in the second phase of lockdown under which we will begin maximising testing of samples from Bhubaneswar to look into the epidemiological study of Covid-19 in the city. About 5,000 corona tests would be conducted alone in Bhubaneswar city in next seven days,” informed Triapthy.
Tripathy said as many as 1,958 (38%) of total 7,577 samples collected from the State were from Bhubaneswar. In next seven days, we’ll collect 5000 samples here, added Tripathy.
The Chief Secretary said that people have been classified for Covid testing in the capital city during the seven days.
“Firstly, priority will be given to Severe Acuten Respiratory Infections (SARI) patients, health workers in Covid-19 hotspots. Secondly, samples will be collected from police, sanitation, Covid workers followed by people above 60 with co-morbidity and random population,” said Tripathy.
This apart, there will be static camps and mobile test vans, said Tripathy.
Tripathy urges the residents of Bhubaneswar not to hesitate if Health Department asks for tests and come forward.
“The Law enforcement agencies will intervene if persons will not cooperate for tests,” said Tripathy.
The Chief Secretary said that spitting in public places has now become an offence in Odisha.
According to Covid-19 regulation, penalty of Rs 200 for first three violations and Rs 500 for subsequent violations will be imposed.
