Odisha CM Declares COVID-19 ‘State Disaster’, Announces Rs 200 Cr

“All educational institutions shall remain closed till 31st March”, said the CM.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

(Photo: PTI)

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday, 13 March, declared the novel coronavirus outbreak as a 'disaster' to be dealt with by the state under the Disaster Management Act 2005.

He also announced a fund of Rs 200 crore for mitigation of the situation in the state, ANI reported.

“The Cabinet met this morning and declared COVID-19 as a ‘disaster’ for the state under the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 to adequately empower our public officials to combat the spread of the disease.”

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik

While speaking in the state assembly, Patnaik also said non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops, conferences are to be cancelled. Social gatherings and assemblies like religious functions, marriage receptions, parties etc. are to be regulated by local authorities.

“All educational institutions shall remain closed till 31st March except for holding examinations. Cinema halls, swimming pools, and gyms are also to be closed till 31st March.”

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik

The CM has also announced an amount of Rs 200 crores to augment the Public Health Response Fund to combat the threat of the pandemic and for making required expenditure.

As of Friday, Odisha has not recorded any case of COVID-19.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI.)