Ensure Migrants Who Enter Odisha Are Tested Negative For COVID-19 : Orissa HC Directs Authorities

The Orissa High Court on Thursday directed the State Government to ensure that the migrants who come back from other states should be tested COVID-19 negative.

A bench comprising Justices S Panda and K R Mohapatra passed the order while hearing a petition filed by one Narayan Chandra Jena. 

The bench in its order said "the state government should ensure that all migrants who are in queue to come to Orissa should be tested negative of COVID 19 before boarding the conveyance."

As reported recently, according to the transport department of the state, about five lakh migrants are likely to return to Orissa in next few weeks from various states including Gujarat, West Bengal, Kerala and Maharashtra.

Those who have registered themselves in the Odisha government's COVID portal are allowed to travel by special trains, buses and registered vehicles. There are 12 designated check posts along the borders through which the travelers would entre.

Some thousands have already returned to their home state. The state government has arranged quarantine and medical centers at various places.

Read Order