Ganjam district Collector Bijay Amruta Kulange has directed police to seize the motorbikes and mobile phones of the persons who are moving around unnecessarily violating the lockdown enforced to combat the coronavirus.

As motorcycles are disrupting the social distancing process, they have been completely banned during the lockdown period. To ensure this, more roads would be barricaded. The BDOs, Tehsildars and police Inspectors-in-Charge would inspect this in the blocks.

Besides, the health conditions of the 15,377 people, who have come from outside the State and the 372 people who have arrived here from abroad would be monitored daily. An MoU has been signed with the Sitapallii-based Tata Memorial Hospital to use it as an isolation ward for COVID-19 patients. The Collector has directed to immediately make provision for 100 beds.

The elderly persons have been asked not to venture out of their homes and families have been asked to take pledge to stay in their homes as appealed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The people, whose quarantine period has ended, have been prohibited not to roam outside. The BDOs have been instructed to ensure that nobody remains hungry in their areas.

The three- and four-wheelers transporting essential goods would be provided passes. Criminal proceedings would be initiated against those who misuse these passes. The SHGs would be allowed to sell vegetables in their colonies and slums with required precautions. Vendors would sell vegetables at the designated places while ensuring social distancing.