Bhubaneswar: Amid rising cases of COVID-19 in different corners of the World and the detection of the Omicron BF.7 variant in some cases in the country, the State Government has geared up to brave any surge in Odisha’s coronavirus graph.
In first, Health and Family Welfare Department Minister, Naba Kisore Das will be writing to the Union Health Ministry for a fresh stock of COVID vaccines. Addressing a presser here today, Das informed that there were no vaccines left.
“Our stock of COVID vaccine is empty. The Department’s Commissioner has already apprised the Ministry on this matter. Today, I will be writing another letter to the Union Health Minister requesting him to replenish our COVID vaccine stock,” Das said.
Similarly, the State Government, in line with the Centre has issued a standard advisory to prevent any form of rise in the number of COVID cases in Odisha, which is well under control at the moment, with the State reporting around 20 cases per day.
The advisory states – Use masks, Self-isolation, hand washing, avoid public places, etc. Besides, the fever clinics across Odisha will continue as they are, Das added. “All senior officials of the department are on alert. While vaccines are available at private hospitals, we expect them soon at the Government facilities.”
Besides, the Odisha State Medicine Corporation Limited has been directed to facilitate the procurement of necessary drugs and equipment on priority. The Department has mooted special arrangements for health safety and prevention of the spread of COVID at the venues of the Hockey World Cup.
A special team of doctors will be sent to Rourkela from Veer Surendra Sai Medical College and Hospital to monitor and oversee the health aspect in and around the Hockey World Cup venue, said Das.
“We are testing around 6,000 samples a day out of which around 20 are positive for COVID-19. I strongly believe, with the preparedness and leadership of our Chief Minister, we will be able to brave any untoward scenario,” he added.
