By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, May 4, 2020: Even as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday claimed that Odisha is presently in a better position in its fight to contain COVID-19, six more new positive cases have been reported.

Of the six cases, four are from Jajpur district and two from Bhadrak district and all of them had recently returned from Kolkata. Earlier in the day, a 29 -year-old female of Rourkela was tested positive for COVID-19.

As of now, 169 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 in the State. One person died of the diseases while 60 patients infected with the virus were discharged from hospitals post treatment.

There were 108 active COVID-19 cases in the State, when the last reports came in.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has warned people returning from other States of legal action if they don’t comply with mandatory quarantine regulations. “Odisha is faring better than other States in containing the spread of COVID-19. It has been possible due to sacrifice by all people, and relentless administrative actions. We will not allow anyone to sabotage the success achieved over two months of uncompromising actions,” Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy said,

There have been reported violations by people under quarantine upon their return. “The State government has taken exception to violation by a small section of returnees, which is a serious matter. These people are risking their lives while putting the lives of their family and community in danger. The administration has been directed to pull these people out from quarantine centres and sent to other places. They will not be entitled to the incentive of ₹2,000 and will face arrest,” Mr. Tripathi added saying that the 14-day quarantine period would be increased and legal action initiated.

Sarpanchs have been asked to initiate action against people violating protocols.

On Saturday, three buses carrying students from Kota and 75 buses with migrant labourers from Gujarat entered Odisha through the Sohela check gate in Bargarh district. A few hundred buses are also on their way to Odisha from different States. A train carrying 1,150 persons reached Odisha, and passengers were taken to 20 different districts from two Railway Stations in the State.

Of the six new cases, four are from Jajpur district and two from Bhadrak district, it added saying that all of them had recently returned from Kolkata.