Bhubaneswar, April 8: The Odisha government today promulgated the Epidemic Disease (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 for the effective control of the COVID-19 disease.

The ordinance which was promulgated by Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, aims at amending the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 in its application to the state of Odisha. Promulgation of the ordinance was felt necessary as the state Assembly is currently not in session to enact the law.

The contravention of the provisions of the Act will be punishable with imprisonment for a term upto two years or with fine which may extend upto Rs 10,000 or with both. Every offence punishable under this act is cognizable and bailable.

A designated officer will be empowered to impose fine but the fine amount will not exceed the prescribed maximum limit.

A phrase “procurement of goods, service and equipments necessary for prevention and control of the epidemic disease and the manner of such procurement” has been inserted to the principal Act through this ordinance.