Bhubaneswar:  In yet another preventive measure to tackle the spread of COVID-19, Odisha Government today announced to grant commuted leave to employees aged above 50 years with specific health conditions.

As per a notification issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department, commuted leave will be given to Government employees aged above 50 years and having underlying conditions like diabetes, respiratory problems, renal diseases, heart and other life threatening diseases. The leaves will be sanctioned without production of medical certificate for a period till April 4.

The instruction will be applicable to all state Government organizations, including autonomous bodies/statutory bodies, PSUs and corporations.

Earlier on March 19, the Government had ordered that employees who feel unwell due to symptoms of novel coronavirus should leave workplace and avail home quarantine for a period of 14 days.