Odisha govt to collect samples of Sevayats twice for COVID testing

Puri: In view of COVID-19 and to take preventive measure during the Rath Yatra, the Odisha government has decided to collect samples of all the participating Sevayats twice before Bahuda Jatra, Suna Vesha and Niladre Bije for COVID testing.

It was decided at a high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Development Commissioner Suresh Chandra Mohapatra.

Samples of all police personnel participating in Ratha Jatra, Bahuda, Suna Vesha, Niladri Bije, Dakshina Moda and local officers will be collected for COVID testing.

Besides, samples of staff and officers of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri, Municipality, CESU, PHD & Fire Brigade will be collected for testing.

Sanitization of Badadanda, lanes and by-lanes connecting Badadanda will be done on a priority basis.

All the Sevayats will be requested to be in home quarantine after the first test collection till the 2nd round of testing.

A dedicated medial team will be constituted under the supervision of CDMO & senior medical officers for the door to door surveillance and the same will continue for one month after the festival too.

Special health camps for Sevayats will be organised at two places closer to their places of residence for health check-up of the Sevayats & their families.

Masks & sanitizers will be distributed to the Sevayats for their health safety & hand sanitization.