Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday chaired a review meeting on emerging COVID situation in the State and Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), after the State has reported at least eight confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
Patnaik has directed State officials to finish all the arrangements on a war-footing basis to tackle any eventuality in the wake of a surge in Omicron cases.
During the review meeting, highlighting the need to accelerate the pace and coverage of vaccination, the Chief Minister instructed District Administration to carry out vaccination drives in district level.
He further instructed officials to reactivate all protocols which were followed during the second wave of Covid and keep the Covid facilities and personnel on high alert.
Since it has been observed that many children who are infected with the virus, in addition to adults, require hospitalisation, he has directed the health department to make the facility available as needed.
Patnaik has also urged the State Police to enforce the Covid safety protocols strictly.
Directing the officials to take preventive steps, Patnaik asked the officials not to rest on the past good works done during the previous two waves of COVID-19 and continue the same work in coming days.
He also directed District Collectors and Superintendents of police to visit private hospitals throughout the State to ensure successful implementation of BSKY.