Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik appeals for 14 days’ mask Abhiyan to check spread of Covid virus

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday addressed people of Odisha and appealed to take up a ‘14 Days’ Mask Abhiyan’ (campaign) to check spread of Coronavirus. He also mentioned that if someone will be found without mask at public places, double fine will be levied on him.

Addressing the people of the State on Covid-19 situation, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said as follows:

The world is moving through an odd situation for the last one year due to Coronavirus pandemic. Human history had not witnessed such a situation in near future. During the first wave of the pandemic we could save many lives with the help of people, panchayat representatives and Covid warriors. Even death rate was lower in our State as compared to other states.

We had to take many bold steps during the first wave. We had to go for lock down and shut down. Resultantly, people faced many trouble. Even the business sector faced huge loss. The most it affected was the income of the poor people. Social life was also affected.

Now the second wave of Covid pandemic has arrived. It is spreading rapidly. Lock Down, night curfew and Shut Down have started in many other states. But if we will obey the Covid norms properly, wear mask properly, then without lock down we can check spread of Covid. And for this we will go for a 14 days’ mask campaign starting from today. For fourteen days we will strictly abide the Covid norms which will be a habit for us. And hence let us take a pledge to wear mask properly. We will not just hang it on the neck but wear it in such a way so that it will cover the nose and face. We should not go outside without wearing a mask. And then only we will be able to check spread of Corona virus.

And for this I would appeal mothers to see that their family members, especially children, when going outside should wear mask properly. If mothers will be vigilant, corona cannot enter their houses.

Government is guarding outside, mothers should guard the home.

Why the whole society will be penalised for the fault of a few people? I have directed Police and administration to levy double fine on people who will not wear mask properly.

Mask is the most important shield for us now. The people who have not taken vaccine yet should surely wear mask. And then only we can check spread of Coronavirus. Then only we can avoid lock down. We can stop the negative impact of lock down.

If you want that your income should not be affected and your profession runs well, then surely abide the mask rule.

Now the second wave of corona pandemic is going on. In some countries even the third wave has arrived. So, in future, how much Corona waves we will have to face, nobody knows. Hence, if we can bring a small change in our life style, if we can make mask our company, then we can save ourselves from the fury of lock down. Your cooperation will only make us to win in this battle.