Odisha makes masks mandatory as total COVID19 cases soar to 40
Bhubaneswar: A day after the central government advised use of homemade facemasks, the Odisha government on Monday directed the people to wear any available form of masks while stepping out of their houses. The new order will be effective from 9th April 7 am.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s total number of coronavirus cases has touched 40 as on Monday night. A 32-year male from Kendrapra has been tested positive with the deadly virus. The man had returned from Dubai on March 24, Odisha health department twitted.
“The general public is directed to cover their mouth and noses with any available form of mask while stepping out of house for any purpose. A handkerchief or any other piece of cloth in at least two layers can also be used for this purpose,” read the order issued by the state Revenue and Disaster management department.
“Disposable/single use masks should be properly disposed of by following due procedure prescribed by Health and Family Welfare Department. Cloth masks should be cleaned with soap/detergent/disinfectant and water and sun dried for at least 5 hours after every single use. Masks used by one person must not be used by any other person,” the order said.
The state government has directed district administrations and municipal authorities to implement the order and ensure social distance among the people in public places.