Women during a rally to observe breastfeeding week in Berhampur
BHUBANESWAR: The state government has issued an advisory regarding the prevention of Covid-19 in children. It has said lactating mothers can continue to breastfeed even if they test positive for Covid-19. However, they need to take certain precautions to prevent the baby from getting infected.
“The continuation of breastfeeding by Covid-affected mothers and the timely initiation of nutrient-rich age-appropriate complementary feeding in children is to be ensured,” the advisory issued on Saturday read.
Experts said interrupting breastfeeding may impair milk secretion, thereby depriving both the mother and baby of the benefits of continuous breastfeeding. So breastfeeding should continue until the infant attains two years of age.
Police sensitise villagers about Covid safety norms
BHUBANESWAR: The Puri district police have launched a special enforcement drive to ensure compliance of Covid-safety protocols and lockdown rules among villagers. Of the 3,933 active cases in Puri district, around 70% are in rural areas.
“We have laid focus on enforcement in rural areas by involving the local panchayati raj members and communities. The sub-divisional police officers (SDPO)s and inspectors in-charge of local police stations have been visiting the rural areas and ensuring enforcement through the participation of local communities,” Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh said.
From April 1 to May 29, the Puri district police have fined 20,337 people in rural areas and collected Rs 22.57 lakh for not wearing masks. Altogether 566 shops were sealed in the rural areas for alleged violation of lockdown and weekend shutdown norms.