This story is from July 2, 2020

Covid-19: Odisha government restricts entry of visitors to state secretariat and other top offices

In view of a steep rise in number of Covid-19 positive cases in the city, the state government on Thursday restricted entry of visitors to the state secretariat, the seat of power and other top offices like Kharavel Bhawan, Rajib Bhawan and Krushi Bhawan till July-end.
Covid-19: Odisha government restricts entry of visitors to state secretariat and other top offices
Representative image
BHUBANESWAR: In view of a steep rise in number of Covid-19 positive cases in the city, the state government on Thursday restricted entry of visitors to the state secretariat, the seat of power and other top offices like Kharavel Bhawan, Rajib Bhawan and Krushi Bhawan till July-end.
The move came three days after chief minister Naveen Patnaik directed officials to keep government offices free of infection.

The state home department has asked all departments to keep in abeyance all passes issued to visitors for these offices till July 31. The move is to minimize the number of visitors to these top offices of the state administration.
“Any request of entry of outsiders and for such pass holders will only be entertained on the request received from the office of the secretaries of the concerned department to the special secretary, home department,” said Saroj Kumar Mishra, additional secretary, home department.
Offices of the chief minister, other ministers, chief secretary and most of the departments are located in the state secretariat while Kharavel Bhawan accommodates 10 government departments. Similarly, office of the special relief commissioner and various departments are located at Rajib Bhawan while agriculture and allied departments operate from Krushi Bhawan.
“Any Covid infection in a government office has serious implications, which would compromise the ability of the government machinery to fight this pandemic. Instructions have also been issued to all government offices to set the highest standard of preventive measures,” said a senior official.

Though entry of visitors was restricted after outbreak of Covid-19, it was partially resumed after the state government allowed resumption of offices with full strength after May 19.
With sudden rise of Covid-19 positive cases in the state, the state government has decided to operate various state government offices and sub-ordinate offices with 50 per cent staff strength in July. Employees, who have been provided with virtual private network, have been asked to work from home.
Districts like Ganjam with highest positive cases and other districts have also restricted entry of visitors to government offices in their respective districts.
The state general administration department has asked all departments and government offices to appoint a senior officer as Covid compliance officer, who will ensure implementation of the protocols. The officer will inspect compliance of protocols like social distancing, wearing of masks, frequent hand washing, cleaning and sanitation and other healthcare precautions in their respective offices.
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