In view of Odia migrant workers returning home in large numbers amidst the Covid-19 crisis, the State Government has partially modified the existing quarantine policy for them.
Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena briefed the media about the changed policy on Sunday. As per the revised policy, the quarantine period for returnees would be limited to 14 days instead of 21 days. District Collectors and local authorities would ensure implementation of the norm in their respective areas, said Jena.
In rural areas, the returnees would undergo seven days of mandatory institutional quarantine. Thereafter, only asymptomatic returnees would be discharged from there and they would stay in home quarantine for a further period of another seven days.
“If local authorities find it necessary for reasons related to containment of Covid-19 and to prevent spread of infection, they may extend the period of institutional quarantine of the returnees,” said Jena
In case a quarantinee develops symptoms requiring medical attention, he/she may be shifted to a Covid Care Centre or a Covid hospital for treatment.
Similarly, the quarantine policy for returnees relating in urban areas has been partially modified.
Every returnee would have to compulsorily stay in home quarantine for a period of 14 days and observe guidelines of the Health and Family Welfare Department. If the returnee does not have proper quarantine facility at home, he would undergo institutional or paid quarantine for a period as directed by the local authorities.
However, a few categories of travelers have been exempted from mandatory quarantine.
Government officials, professionals, businessmen or any other person who have come to Odisha on work and are intending to exit within 72 hrs would not be quarantined.
This exemption would also be availed to such people who travel from Odisha on work and return to the State within 72 hours.
Any returnee who has already undergone prescribed quarantine period would not be asked to undergo institutional quarantine, said Jena.
