Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today held a high level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in the State. Expressing concern over the rising cases in the State, Naveen appealed people as well as administrative officials to be on alert and said that the next few weeks are crucial.
Cases are increasing in Odisha as well as in other parts of the country. The coming few weeks are crucial and hence everybody should remain alert and follow Covid appropriate behaviour, the CM said.
Though the hospitalisation rate has remained low in the third wave of the pandemic, the authorities should remain prepared and equipped to combat the situation in the wake of rise in Omicron cases.
The CM expressed satisfaction over the vaccination rate, and directed officials to expedite the process. Create Covid awareness by involving Mission Shakti groups, he said. DGP Sunil Bansal was asked to ensure strict compliance of the Covid-19.
Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra briefed the CM about Covid preparedness in different districts. Municipal Commissioners of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack and Collectors of Sambalpur and Sundergarh apprised the CM about their respective regions and the COVID situation there
Meanwhile, senior Odisha government officials said that the Chief Minister has asked to ensure that the Rapid Response Teams and other field officials establish proper communication with the Covid-19 infected people who are undergoing treatment under home isolation.
Additional Chief Secretary (Health) RK Sharma said department officials said sufficient beds and ICUs are available at medical facilities to deal with the situation. Similarly, ventilators as well as oxygen facilities have also been kept ready.
Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian coordinated the meeting. Development Commissioner PK Jena and other senior officials were present.
