Bhubaneswar: Amid increasing COVID-19 cases, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced a series of new strategies to tackle the pandemic in the State.
Odisha government will set up 'Covid Care' homes in every panchayat where people with mild symptoms of cold, cough and fever that don't necessitate hospital admission can stay. Of them, those who test positive for Covid-19, will later be shifted to hospitals, said a release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
To decentralise the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, 'Ward Committees' will be formed including members at the ward-level - ASHA, Anganwadi, SHG and ANM workers, said the release.
"As a specific treatment for the virus is yet to be developed, we have to stay safe, and be extra careful. Social distancing, use of masks and regular washing of hands can help us prevent spread of COVID-19," said the CM.
"Due to the cooperation of the people of the State, we have been able to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and both in terms of recovery and mortality rates, Odisha has fared better than other states," he said.
CM Naveen reiterated that June is going to be crucial in the State's fight against the virus. "Lockdown is gradually being lifted and we have to focus on both lives and livelihoods. Now, we need to be extra careful. It's a long battle and we can win it only through proper awareness," he added.
On the other hand, at least 175 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Odisha on Wednesday. With this, the total number of positive cases in the State now stands at 4338.
Of the total cases reported today, 145 cases were from various quarantine centres where returnees from other states are lodged while the remaining 30 were local contacts.
(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)
Also Read: Coronavirus: 175 New Cases Push Odisha’s Covid-19 Tally To 4338