Bhubaneswar: In response to the surge of COVID-19 cases in Odisha, the state government has made it mandatory for all hospitals in the region to enforce the use of masks. A new directive from the Directorate of Public Health has ordered all healthcare providers to wear masks while on duty, and has also requested that patients and visitors wear masks when entering hospital premises. Additionally, individuals who have recently visited high-risk areas or exhibit flu-like symptoms are also required to wear masks.
This new directive follows a nationwide mock drill conducted by the central government in the second week of April, which urged state governments to take the necessary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Other regions, such as Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Kerala, Mumbai, and Puducherry have already mandated the use of masks for hospital staff.
In the last 24 hours, Odisha has reported 502 new cases of COVID-19, with daily case numbers surpassing 500. This increase in cases is not unique to Odisha, as other states and the entire country have seen a rise in infections. Over the past week, Odisha has seen over 400 cases daily.
The government’s move to make masks mandatory in all hospitals is considered a vital step in controlling the spread of COVID-19. By enforcing the use of masks, the risk of transmission among healthcare providers, patients, and visitors will be greatly reduced.
