Coronavirus: Odisha CM urges people not to panic

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday requested the people not to panic for Coronavirus.

“In the absence of any vaccine or treatment, our collective responsibility is the only hope we have to fight this epidemic. We must remain prepared, but not panic. I appeal all to practice frequent hand washing, strict sanitation protocols,” Patnaik tweeted.

The Chief Minister also advised people to be at home and reduce social interactions.

“By reducing social interactions, avoiding gatherings and being at home we can contain the spread of the virus. I appeal to every section of society to behave most responsibly and refrain from rumor-mongering misinformation and irresponsible conduct,” he said.

Notably, the state government has announced closure of educational institutions till March 31 to deal with the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry said that government has decided to treat COVID19 as a notified disaster for the purpose of providing assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

The Ministry said Rs 4 lakh will be paid as ex-gratia to the family of the person who will lose their life due to Coronavirus.

National Institute Technology (NIT), Rourkela has suspended classes, examinations and interviews scheduled till March 31 as preventive measures against novel Coronavirus.

Faculty, staff and students staying in campus urged to follow health advisory.

Nadankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar will remain out of bound for visitors from March 15 till March 31, announced zoo authorities in the wake of Coronavirus outbreak.