Covid Surge: Stay Alert As Coming Few Weeks Crucial, Appeals Odisha CM Naveen

Taking note of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases as well as the challenges posed by mutant variant ‘Omicron’, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday appealed people as well as administrative officials to remain alert as coming few weeks are crucial in the course of the pandemic.

Following a review of the Covid-19 situation, Patnaik said cases are increasing exponentially 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,” stressed Patnaik. It is pertinent to mention here that Odisha reported 7,071 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, taking the active case load in the State to 27,216.

For the past couple of weeks the State has been witnessing steep a surge in daily Covid cases. The tally of Omicron cases, the new Covid-19 variant of concern, has also reached 103 in the State.

Asserting that the hospitalisation rate is low so far in the third wave of Covid-19, Patnaik said all need to keep up with preparedness for future. Though the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the vaccination rate, he asked authorities to expedite the process for the unvaccinated population as well as the beneficiaries who are yet to take their second dose.

Patnaik also directed the officials to create awareness by involving Mission Shakti groups. The DGP has been asked to ensure strict compliance of the Covid-19 protocols in different parts of the State.

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.

Health department officials said that despite low hospitalisations, provisions of beds have been increased in comparison with capacity and facilities that were set up during the Covid second wave. Similarly, ventilators as well as oxygen facilities have also been kept ready.