Pradhan convened a high-level meeting with senior management of all the PSUs operating in Odisha spread across sectoral ministries, captains of healthcare & financial institutions and senior officials of State Government of Odisha to review Covid-19 management and emergency preparedness in the State.
The Union Minister urged all the stakeholders to work with a ‘whole of government approach’ for ramping up the health infrastructure, including enhancing capacity of dedicated isolation beds, intensive care units and beds with oxygen support across the length and breadth of Odisha.
“I encouraged all our PSUs to take lead in procuring vaccines from the open market under the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 for inoculating their human capital as well as people above 18 in the civil society to further speed up the vaccination drive in Odisha,” Pradhan quoted his statement as saying to the delegates through the virtual meeting today.
He also stressed on combining strengths of all stakeholders and working with an integrated approach for creating a robust healthcare delivery system, effective resource utilisation & to ensure better preparedness for combating the current Covid-19 wave as well as for new waves.
Participants during the meeting also discussed ways to better assist, facilitate & work together with the Government of Odisha in ramping up testing and other resources, including emergency medicine for offering a better and stronger response to the pandemic.
Rajya Sabha member Ashwini Vaishnaw, Additional Chief Secy. Govt. of Odisha, Mission Director- National Health Mission, Director of ILS (Bhubaneswar), RMRC (Bhubaneswar), senior officials of SBI, East Coast Railways, Airports Authority of India, Paradip Port, MCL, NALCO India were among others present during the virtual conference.
As per the data available with the State Health Department, before the start of the pandemic, the State had mere 306 ICU beds. The number of ICU beds in Odisha at the beginning of February 2021 stood at 383. Between April 2020 – January 2021, Odisha had added nearly 80 ICU beds.
Meanwhile, the ICU occupancy in the State on April 17, 2021, stood at 329. The occupancy proportion vis-a-vis functional ICU beds as of today stood at a massive 86 per cent.
The high occupancy rate cannot be attributed to Covid-19 alone. The rate is an aggregate of the critical care requirements for the in-patients admitted to for treatment of other critical ailments, including Covid-19 complications.
WORRYING NUMBERS?
The lines of worry here are the current Ro rate (net transmission rate) in Odisha has been estimated at around 2. And if the Union Health Ministry data on demand of critical care during the first wave is taken into account, then the demand for ICU care or treatment in a State will simply double in the peak period of the epidemic when the transmission rate (Ro) will remain high at around 2.
ICU OCCUPANCY ‘CRITICAL’?
Denying that the ICU occupancy in the State is at around 86 per cent, the State Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra said,
“Our ICU bed capacity is 541. At present only 329 beds are occupied, therefore the occupancy rate is around 60 per cent,” he claimed and further added that we don’t foresee any crisis in critical care management of Covid-19 cases in the State during peak time.
“As per first wave data, nearly 6 in every 100 symptomatic positive patients require critical care hospitalisation in the State. The State Health Department is fully geared to tackle the second wave peak. Our strategy is on effective case management that will eventually reduce the dependence on critical (ICU) hospitalisation,” he observed.
THE TAKEAWAYS
As per the statement of State Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra, the capacity of ICU beds in Odisha is 541. The ICU capacity means the potential of Odisha to have such a number of beds in the critical care department. And the occupancy proportion vis-a-vis the capacity is rightly around 60 per cent.
But the occupancy rate when seen in the context of functional ICU beds (383 on Feb 1, 2021), the rate is estimated at around 86 per cent.
WILL ODISHA BATTLE OUT THE FURIOUS VIRUS?
As per the data available with the State Health Department, the number of active Covid-19 symptomatic patients in the State stood at below 5000. The demand for critical care hospitalisation has, thus, been estimated on an average at below 300, when the ICU bed capacity in the State is estimated at 541.
ODISHA’S BEST BET
The best bet before the State is notwithstanding the explosion of the daily counts, if over 80 per cent of the daily cases remain asymptomatic and, more so, if the State health authorities swiftly isolate nearly one-fifth of symptomatic positives within 24-hours of detection, then Odisha can meet the ICU challenge quite well.
The need of the hour, therefore, is effective case management, which is Odisha’s anti-Covid-19 strategy as claimed by State Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra.
According to the announcement of the CM, five districts and eight major towns in the State will be locked-down from 7 AM on March 22 till 9 PM on March 29. The districts of Khurda, Ganjam, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Angul, along with towns of Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balasore, Bhadrak, Puri, Jajpur Road, Jajpur Town and Rourkela will be covered under this lockdown.
All activities excluding some essential works will remain suspended during the lockdown period. Bus, train and air services will be available while grocery shops, vegetables shops, meat, fish, egg shops, petrol pumps and medicine shops will remain open during the lockdown period. The wholesale market of essential commodities will also remain open.
Also Read: Covid-19 Outbreak: IAS IPS Officers In Odisha Lead From The Front
Emergency services like hospitals, banks, ATM counters, municipality services, police, fire services, ODRAF, drinking water and electricity supplies will also remain available. Administrative offices will also remain open.
Disbursement of social security pensions and public distribution system will remain suspended in the five districts and eight towns during the lockdown period. The district collectors can suspend any service after reviewing the situation.
We are going for near-complete lockdown from 7AM tomorrow till 9PM of Mar 29 in Khurdha, Cuttack, Ganjam, Kendrapada, Angul districts & in towns of Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balasore, Jajpur Road, Jajpur Town, Bhadrak in view of #Covid_19: #Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik pic.twitter.com/DWfm50BMZ0
— OTV (@otvnews) March 21, 2020
The private companies in those places have been directed to implement work from home policy. If they fail to do so, they have to take permission from the district collectors to continue the offices.
Also Read: Coronavirus Restrictions: Here Is The List Of Shops That Will Remain Closed
The announcement further stated that private service providers who are engaged in prevention of COVID19 have been included under emergency services.
Stay at home & come out only for basic services because you risk bringing #coronavirus to your family: #Odisha CM ordering near-complete lockdown in 5 districts & 8 major towns of the State till March 29#OdishaFightsCorona #IndiaFightCorona #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/s2b0coG4LJ
— OTV (@otvnews) March 21, 2020
The CM further said the lockdown has been ordered keeping in view the interest of the public and police have been directed to take stringent action against those who will violate it.
Read More: Coronavirus Update: COVID-19 Cases Rise To 271 In India
Here's the formal notification issued by the Odisha government laying out the details pertaining to the lockdown in five districts and eight major towns of the State from March 22 to March 29.
Near total lockdown will be implemented across 5 districts & some towns across #Odisha from 22nd March, 7 AM to 29th March, 9 PM. Follow the advisory incase you need to go outside to procure essential commodities. #7DayOdishaLockdown @CMO_Odisha pic.twitter.com/SR4n8zVELk
— H & FW Dept Odisha (@HFWOdisha) March 21, 2020
The intra-state bus services will remain suspended until further orders, the State Transport Authority (STA) informed a day after the State government suspended all interstate bus services to contain further spread of coronavirus.
“It is imperative to adopt strict social distancing and isolation measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, which is playing havoc in many countries across the world including India,” stated a circular issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department.
According to the circular, intra-state bus movement has been suspended until further order from 11 AM on March 24. Similarly, city bus services in all the urban local bodies in the state shall remain suspended until further order from the midnight today.
The Transport Commissioner has been directed to implement the order and find out suitable modalities.
BREAKING: All intra-state bus services (both inter region & intra region) will remain suspended with effect from 11 AM tomorrow (March 24); services will remain suspended until further orders, informs STA #Odisha#COVID2019 #CoronavirusPandemic pic.twitter.com/Yj1gJJsHx6
— OTV (@otvnews) March 23, 2020
On the other hand, the State government has constituted a seven-member team of bureaucrats headed by water resources department secretary Surendra Kumar to monitor smooth movement of goods into the State and within the State.
The government has also issued a toll-free number 155335 to ensure smooth transportation and supply of essential commodities in the State. The retailers and members of goods transporters' association can dial the toll-free number to register their complaints.
Also Read: Odisha Lays Out Covid-19 Plan, Lockdowns To Prevent N-CoV Becoming Epidemic In State
Notably, the State government has framed the Odisha COVID-19 Regulation, 2020 and taken series of measures for prevention and containment of Coronavirus. The government has ordered lockdown in 14 districts and also decided to close over 72,000 Anganwadi Centres (AWC) operational across the State till April 30.
Till now, Odisha has reported two coronavirus positive cases in the State. The condition of two patients who are undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital and AIIMS Bhubaneswar is stable.
Earlier, Indian Railways has announced the closure of all passenger rail services across the nation till March 31. According to an order issued by the railways, only goods trains will run from March 22 midnight to March 31 midnight.
Also Read: Coronavirus: Indian Railways Cancels All Passenger, Express Trains Till March 31
Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry said the total positive cases in India has reached 415 after 19 fresh cases were reported from across the country.
Addressing an urgent presser here, Odisha government's COVID-19 Spokesman Subroto Bagchi informed that the remaining 16 districts of the State will also go under lockdown till midnight of March 29 to prevent any epidemic of the viral disease in the State.
After announcing the lockdown of five coastal districts and eight major towns that accounted for a major chunk of the foreign returnees, the State government had extended the tight restriction to 9 other districts on Monday.
#Odisha government's #COVID19 Spokesman Subroto Bagchi addresses media on enforcement of lockdown in all 30 districts of the State from today midnight. Listen in. #OdishaFightsCorona #OdishaLockdown #COVID19outbreak pic.twitter.com/rPZbVnFfyE
— OTV (@otvnews) March 24, 2020
"All district collectors of the remaining districts have been informed that the lockdown regulations that have been implemented in earlier areas will come into effect from midnight today so they should accordingly prepare. District authorities have been said that after ensuring safe movement of SC/ST from various State-run hostels to their homes by today evening, the lockdown will be enforced," Bagchi informed.
Also Read: Lord Jagannath In Lockdown For 144-Yrs, Covid-19 Lockdown Mere 8-Days: Bagchi
"However, essential services like medicals, path labs, medicine stores, police, fire-fighting, ODRAF, electricity, municipal bodies and private entities helping State government in fighting COVID-19 will be exempted from the restrictions. Banks should focus on reducing their workforce to 10% of their running strength with necessary permission from the district authorities," he added.
Read More: Odisha Covid-19 Lockdown: Passes Must For Office-Goers In Bhubaneswar-Cuttack
Major market areas across the State witnessed unprecedented crowd with consumers making mad rush to buy essential commodities like rice, potatoes, onions, dal and other food items. Throwing the norms of social distancing to the wind, the consumers were seen buying essential commodities for weeks or months may be fearing that the stock may dry up in coming days.
On the other hand, taking the opportunity of the situation, some traders are reportedly selling the essential products at high prices. While onion and potato are being sold at Rs 30 at Chhatra Bazaar in Cuttack, the prices of vegetables also spiked due to the lockdown.
Asked about why he came out of home during the lockdown despite government order, a consumer said, “What do I do. There must be stock of essential commodities in home during the lockdown.”
“As the administration is asking us not to venture out of house for these 21 days, we have to keep adequate stock of food items,” said another customer.
Debendra Nath Sahu, secretary of Chhatra Bazaar Traders’ Association, said, “We are urging all traders not to sell commodities at higher price at this juncture.”
The scenario in Unit I vegetable market is quite different. Though the shops are open and the prices of items are relatively low here, the market place is witnessing low footfall of consumers.
“A handful of customer come to buy vegetables early morning, but nobody turns up after 9 AM. Though some customers visit the market in the evening,” said a trader.
Moreover, allegations of black marketing of products have surfaced in some places while raids are being conducted by the district administrations to curb it.
https://youtu.be/XaDCY-R0UHA
On the other hand, the traders have blamed the transport and supply department for the situation.
“The government must ensure smooth transportation of items being imported from outside the State. If there any disruption in the transportation, the situation will go out of control in coming days,” said Sudhakar Panda, president of State Traders’ Association.
Read More: COVID-19 Fightback: Odisha Govt Invites Applications To Appoint Doctors & Paramedics
The druggists and chemists’ association in the State also expressed fear of scarcity of medicines during the lockdown period due to disruption in transportation.
Prashant Mohapatra, general secretary of Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association stated, “Couriers agencies in the State have stopped receiving products and transport offices have also shut shutters. We are trying to convince the transporters for the last three days to resume their business.”
Odisha government COVID-19 spokesperson Subroto Bagchi, however, allayed the fear and assured smooth transportation of goods in and within the State during the lockdown.
“Vehicles transporting goods and trolley rickshaws can ply uninterruptedly for free flow of essential items like rice, dal, sugar, salt, vegetable items in the State. Strict action will be taken against those who disrupt it,” Bagchi said during his address to the media today.
https://youtu.be/M6IuU0N1MNs
Bhubaneswar: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik today sought coordination and cooperation among states for people who are stranded and cut-off from their home states due to the nationwide Coronavirus lockdown. In a letter to his counterparts in other states, CM Naveen Patnaik said “Coronavirus has been a challenge for the human race transgressing all boundaries. We as a country are jointly fighting this invisible enemy with collective resolve."
Citing that when an unprecedented but very much needed step to lockdown the nation for 21 days is taken, even with all precautions some people may be stranded across the country away from their homes.
“They may be pilgrims, students, workers and professional etc. We understand that many may be under distress in this regard and I would make an earnest appeal to you that any person or group of persons from Odisha stranded in any part of your state may please be assisted with basic food, accommodation, security etc. I will be grateful if this message is passed on to all the district collectors of your state. Odisha will bear whatever cost is needed for their safe keeping”
Odias stranded in several parts of the country due to #CoronavirusLockdown: #Odisha CM Naveen Patanik appeals to his counterparts in other States & requests to assist persons from Odisha stranded in any part of their States with basic food, accommodation & security pic.twitter.com/jfIXqggqr1
— OTV (@otvnews) March 26, 2020
While extending a helping hand to other states, CM Naveen wrote that “I have also directed all our district collectors to assist persons in need from other states. Their cost will be met from CM’s relief fund. We have put a monitoring team with a principal secretary of the Home department to look after this and co-ordinate in case anyone from your state is stranded here in Odisha and our system has not responded.”
While assuring that he is always available for help, Naveen said that it is one of the most challenging times faced by the human race and I am sure all of us will overcome this with the joint resolve and action.
Earlier today, Taking note of the plight of the stranded Odias, Union Minister Pratap Sarangi had urged CM Naveen to take steps so that the stranded people from the State do not face problems in getting food and lodging.
In a letter to the CM, Sarangi had said, “The rapidly evolving Coronavirus scenario and the consequential decisions have caught many people unaware, unprepared and stranded, including the ones from Odisha, in other states without any food and accommodation. As the current lockdown is going to continue for three weeks, the stranded people, who include among other students, trainees, pilgrims, workers, have become anxious about their basic requirements of food and lodging in the alien land.”
Sarangi had urged, we need to humanely reconcile both situations to help the stranded people stay in the same place wherever they are, and at the same time, to facilitate food and lodging for them during the period of restrictions. A helpline may be put in place for the stranded people to establish communication with the State government about their whereabouts, requirements and well-being, Sarangi had demanded.
Citing that the outbreak of the Coronavirus has significantly affected the livelihood of the poor, CM Naveen Patnaik said that all the beneficiaries of the food security scheme will be getting 3 months’ ration in advance and all the 94 lakh families under the programme will be getting Rs 1000 cash assistance. All this will entail a total expenditure of Rs 940 crore.
Moreover, under the social security scheme, 48 lakh beneficiaries are getting 4 month’s pension allowance in advance for which a total expenditure to the tune of Rs 932 crores will be incurred.
#Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announces relief package of Rs 2200 crore for welfare of the poor to deal with the #COVID19-related impact #OdishaFightsCorona #CoronavirusOutbreak pic.twitter.com/ww0UOS9qYX
— OTV (@otvnews) March 27, 2020
The construction workers, who are expected to be the most and immediately affected cohort in the coronavirus pandemic, will be receiving Rs 1500 cash assistance. The State government will be spending Rs 330 crore in this regard to ensure assistance to around 22 lakh construction workers.
Earlier yesterday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced a special relief package of Rs 1.7 lakh crore to provide immediate relief to the poor & the vulnerable groups in the wake of coronavirus outbreak-triggered lockdown.
Our first priority is to ensure that food and cash reach the poor as they will be the most affected by the lockdown and the Rs 1.7 lakh crore package will ensure immediate relief for them.
Some of the major announcements included front-loading of the 1st installment of Rs 2000 under PM KISAN which will be disbursed in the first week of April. Moreover, around 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders will receive Rs 500/month for the next 3 months, while elderly, widows, & divyangs will get one-time additional cash transfer of Rs 1,000 in 2 installments. Under Ujjwala scheme, the Centre announced to provide free LPG cylinders for the next 3 months to the 8.3 crore BPL families.
Highlights of Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under #PradhanMantriGaribKalyanYojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against #COVID19 announced by Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman today.#IndiaFightsCorona
For more details: https://t.co/GBJK6FcmLI pic.twitter.com/ZKO3Sl679D— Ministry of Finance ?? #StayHome #StaySafe (@FinMinIndia) March 26, 2020
Rakesh Kumar Podha in Lalsahebpada under Khariar of Nuapara district is such a godsend who has been a ray of hope & help for divyangs & the helpless in this lockdown on account of the Coronavirus outbreak. Rakesh prepares food in his home and then sets out in search of the needy for whom the lockdown has shut all doors of help. Rakesh has been feeding around 20-25 people on a daily basis.
“Due to the lockdown, many people are suffering. Most of them are unable to step out of their homes in view of the lockdown. Me and my wife are cooking food for the needy,” said Rakesh.
“In such crucial times, any assistance in the form of food and other articles is beneficial,” said a needy.
With India entering the 4th day of the lockdown, Odisha, like others has come to a virtual standstill. Streets are empty, shops shut and people are only venturing out to fetch supplies. Major cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, Sambalpur & Berhampur remain completely shut. Police have ramped up enforcement of the lockdown with strict action against the violators. With social distancing being given utmost priority, administration is relocating busy markets, especially vegetable markets, to open places where people can maintain required distance while making purchases. In Udala of Mayurbhanj district, all the vendors and shopkeepers of Krushak Bazaar have been asked to sell along the roadside. Moreover, the vendors and shopkeepers have been asked to follow regulated timings from 8AM to 11AM in the morning and from 5PM to 7PM in the evening.
Similarly, the Bargarh district administration has imposed similar restrictions. While fruit & vegetable shops have been asked to remain open from 6AM till 10AM, grocery & petrol pumps will remain open from 7AM till 2PM as per the revised guidelines.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) along with the Odisha Fire services personnel carried out the disinfection drive in the Smart city. As many as four fire tenders were engaged to spray disinfectant solution in the area.
"In coordination with the Fire Services personnel, BMC is spraying Sodium Hypochlorite at public places along the roads to ensure better hygienic conditions across the city," tweeted BMC.
In coordination with the Fire Services personnel,
BMC is spraying Sodium Hypochlorite at public places along the roads to ensure better hygienic conditions across the city.#CleanBhubaneswar #WeCareForYou pic.twitter.com/1G0aUqRdRK— BMC (@bmcbbsr) March 31, 2020
"The plan for carrying out a disinfection drive was chalked out by the BMC officials. The BMC health authorities are with us. We are working as a team with the BMC now and per their guidance and selection of the locations, the disinfection process will continue," said a Fire services official.
Also Read: Covid-19 India Trend: 44% Positives Belong To 18-30 Yrs In Country!
Meanwhile, Odisha government on Tuesday appealed people in the State to strictly observe social distancing. “We should remain more vigilant and careful. Social distancing shouldn’t be abandoned. This is not the right time to be swayed away by the single digit Covid-19 count in Odisha,” said Subroto Bagchi, Chief Covid-19 spokesperson in the State.
Besides, the State government today tried to explain how the high population density of major cities in Odisha make it more vulnerable to Covid-19 attack. The population density of Puri is higher than New York, and a small town like Jeypore has a population density almost equal to Rome. Both the cities are now worst hit by n-CoV, said Bagchi.
As per the State health department bulletin, of the 473 tests conducted so far, no positive case detected in the State today. In the last 24 hours, 103 samples tested in the State.
You May Like: 24 Found COVID-19 Positive Out Of 1500 Gathered At Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz
The bulletin further added that 13,682 calls have been made to the State’s Covid-19 helpline number – 104, including 4,291 foreign returnees.
BREAKING: The second #COVIDー19 positive case in #Odisha, belonging to Bhubaneswar has completely recovered & tested negative for #COVID19. He is being discharged: State Health & Family Welfare department#coronavirus #OdishaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/e6XmT3rymn
— OTV (@otvnews) April 1, 2020
Amid concerns over the health of Patient-1, the H&FW department clarified, "The first COVID positive person undergoing treatment at the Capital Hospital is doing fine. No need to panic about his health. As per protocol, discharge of a COVID positive case is considered only after two consecutive samples taken during 24 hours are negative."
It seems the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a public health crisis of greatest magnitude as India witnessed a sudden spike of around 250 positive cases on Tuesday, courtesy the potential 'virus carriers' from Tablighi Jamaat's Nizamuddin Markaz congregation in Delhi.
Following a preliminary inquiry, the State government informed that around 20 persons including six foreigners associated with the Tablighi Jammat at Nizamuddin have been traced in Odisha. Today, Koraput Collector Madhusudan Mishra speaking to OTV said that two persons from the district had gone to attend the event. One of them who hails from Kotpad is under quarantine in Delhi while the other person from Jeypore is at present in Guntur of Andhra Pradesh. One each from Kendrapara and Jajpur district are in hospital isolation while their samples have been sent for testing.
While many are claiming that the participants of Tablighi Jamaat congregation could possibly become super-spreaders, Odisha government's COVID-19 chief spokesman Subroto Bagchi has apprehended that the coming two weeks will be most crucial for State and well as the country.
Odisha, so far, has recorded four COVID-19 cases, the latest being a 29-year-old Odia professional who has a travel history to Dubai.
The guy returned from Dubai to Kolkata on March 18 in Emirates Flight EK 570. From the airport, he travelled alone to Howrah railway station by Taxi. He then boarded S11 coach of East Coast Express and travelled till Bhadrak.
Odisha Govt releases the detailed travel history of #COVID19 Case-4 in the State who was tested positive on Tuesday (March 31).#coronavirus #COVID2019india pic.twitter.com/Dm3j9m9vub
— OTV (@otvnews) April 1, 2020
In his media briefing today, Odisha government's chief COVID-19 Spokesperson Subroto Bagchi said that the 4th COVID-19 case from Bhadrak has come in contact with 7 persons.
As of now, a total of 610 samples have been tested in RMRC, AIIMS and SCB Hospital of which 4 have been found positive. All four are stable and under observation, while 88 persons are currently in hospital isolation.
Status of #Covid19 in #Odisha 1st April, 2020. pic.twitter.com/r4rpGkLvF6
— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) April 1, 2020
So far, 15045 have registered through 104 Helpline and Odisha's COVID-19 portal, of which 4332 have returned from foreign nations.
The global tally of positive COVID-19 cases stood at 862495 today as against 789936 on Tuesday, which means 72559 fresh cases have been reported. The death toll too jumped by 4407 in a day to reach 42510 globally.
As far as India's COVID scenario is concerned, 1590 persons have been infected with the lethal coronavirus till 3 PM today vis-a-vis 1251on Tuesday. The toll in the country has reached 45, informed sources in Union Health Ministry.
Making it crystal clear that those ill-treating COVID-19 patients or their families would be dealt with severely, Bagchi said "We have to fight the disease and not the patient. In fear of such humiliation, symptomatic persons will hide and then if they come in contact with other persons, thousands will get infected."
Bagchi further warned of strict action if anyone is found spreading rumours or fake messages on coronavirus causing panic among people.
Spreading rumours is akin to anti-national activity! #Odisha Govt Spokesperson on #Coronavirus, Subroto Bagchi slams rumour-mongers #OdishaFightCorona #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/h11zhpmj4c
— OTV (@otvnews) April 1, 2020
In order to deal with the lockdown crisis, the State government had formed a high-level committee to monitor whether the consumer demands of essential goods and services are met or no. The 7-member committee led by Surendra Kumar includes senior-level officials from Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department, Housing & Urban Development department, Transport Commissioner, Commercial Tax Commissioner, Additional Director General of Police and Director of special projects in panchayats.
Addressing the media, Chairperson of the State-level coronavirus monitoring committee, Surendra Kumar said, "There is no shortage of essential consumer goods in Odisha and we assure that there will be no problems in future."
"We also made sure that markets remain open for 24 hours but to ensure social distancing norms are not violated, traders and vendors should work on a rotational basis. I request people not to hit the markets thrice daily, rather twice a week seems a healthy option. Some 90-95 per cent people are staying indoors, but the rest 5 per cent should maintain moving out only twice weekly, to lessen the chances of getting infected," the senior bureaucrat added.
The Odisha government has formed a panel comprising senior bureaucrats like Ashok Meena, Hemanta Sharma, Vishal Dev, Manoj Mishra, R Vineel Krishna and representatives of the health department to engage with various knowledge institutions, experts and technology companies to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
The committee will provide strategic direction and measures to deal with the situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic and the way forward to tackling the emerging situation.
Sources in the government said that the committee can co-opt any member from government or non-governmental organisations and can also engage any consultancy firm or consultants with relevant domain knowledge.
The Ganjam district Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange on Sunday said that the violators in urban areas would be fined Rs 1,000 and those in rural areas will have to pay Rs 500.
“If anyone is found stepping outside without mask, handkerchief or scarf, then he/she will be penalised with Rs 1,000 in urban areas and Rs 500 in rural areas. Use of mask, handkerchief or scarf is mandatory,” ordered Kulange.
Read More: BMC Declares COVID-19 Containment Zones In Bhubaneswar
Kulange further ordered those found roaming on the streets without any reason would be taken into custody and put under 14-day quarantine.
Not wearing facemask/ handkerchief/ scarf is punishable by a fine up to Rs 1000 in urban areas & Rs 500 in rural areas: Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange
Also, listen to what he says on Matia Sahi which was declared #COVID19 hotspot.#OdishaUnderLockDown #COVID19Pandemic pic.twitter.com/zM7GgTEQLF
— OTV (@otvnews) April 5, 2020
If social distancing norms are violated near any shop, action will be taken against the concerned shopkeeper, added the district collector.
Worth mentioning, Ganjam is the first district which will penalise people for not wearing mask, as one of its measure to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Earlier on Sunday, the district administration declared Matia Sahi village under Baghalati Gram Panchayat in Kukudakhandi block as COVID-19 hotspot. The move came as a precautionary measure after 130 migrant workers returned the village from COVID hotspots in Bhubaneswar.
Also Read: BIG BREAKING: Odisha Records 16 More Covid-19 Cases
The movement of vehicles and people have also been completely restricted in the area, however, home delivery of essentials will be ensured.
The Block Development Officer(BDO) of Kukudakhandi has been instructed to ensure home delivery of essential commodities to people of Matia Sahi during the lockdown period.Any person violating the lockdown will be taken to a compulsory quarantine facility at NIST by the Executive Magistrate, said reports.
Till date, no person from the village has been tested positive with coronavirus.
The district administration had imposed partial shutdown in the district from Saturday. As per the direction, grocery and vegetable shops will remain open between 7 AM and 12 PM.
https://youtu.be/I5o6pw1WOkw
Noting that the nationwide lockdown has caused economic hardships, Chief Secretary A K Tripathy called on Union Power Secretary Sanjeev Nandan Sahai to reduce coal prices for this period, deferring all capital expenses such as loan repayment, interest payment and return on equity.
Read: COVID-19: Odisha May Now Send Lockdown Rule Violators To Jail For 2 Years
Standard pricing of coal needs to be discontinued for the time being, and each coal company needs to declare its price based on cost of production, excluding the capital costs, Tripathy said.
"Companies should be directed to discontinue charging any premium/incentive on bridge/flexi/long-term linkage coal being availed for the year 2020-21 or at least for the next six months," he said in a letter to Sahai on Wednesday.
A similar concession can also be offered in case of lignite and gas prices, he said.
The Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and other financial institutions should provide loans to power sector players, including generators, transmission and distribution companies, Tripathy said.
Also Read: COVID19 Lockdown In Odisha: ‘Broken Chain Of Command Triggering Price Rise’
He added that RBI's three-month moratorium on repayment of loans and interest may be considered for extension to six months for the energy sector.
(With Agency Inputs)
Informing about the same, the State School and Mass Education Minister, Samir Ranjan Das today said that the textbooks of class I to VIII have already reached blocks and schools and it will be ensured that the books are delivered to the students by April 25.
"The textbooks of Class-I to VIII have already been sent to all the schools in Puri, where the doorstep delivery will be implemented first and then other districts will follow the suit soon. The Puri district Collector and the District Education Officer (DEO) will ensure delivery of the books to the students before April 25," said Das.
Though the class IX exams have concluded, the evaluation process is yet to begin. Evaluation of answer sheets of class X and XII exams will start after the nationwide lockdown ends on May 3, informed Das.
Also Read: COVID-19 Lockdown: Odisha Allows E-Commerce Platforms To Resume Operations
"We are planning to send the answer sheets to homes of evaluators, but the government is yet to take a decision in this regard. Also, plans are afoot for online teaching for class IX and X students through DIKSHA App. However, the online teaching process will take some time to start," said Das.
Text books of Class-1 to 8 have already been sent to all the schools in #Puri. The district Collector & DEO will ensure doorstep delivery of books to the students before 25th April. Other districts will soon follow suit: #Odisha Minister Samir Ranjan Das#OdishaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/V9kFFNp4OB
— OTV (@otvnews) April 14, 2020
Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had ordered closure of all schools and colleges in the State till June 17. The State government also announced that the students of classes I to IX and XI will be promoted to the next class sans exams.
On the other hand, Class-X textbooks in Odisha for 2020-21 academic session has been changed. The Board of Secondary Education-Odisha secretary today informed about the change of books in eight subjects and said that the textbooks will be provided to students after the coronavirus lockdown ends on May 3.
Read More: Odisha Reports 5 COVID-19 Cases In 24 Hours, 4 From Bhubaneswar
Rath Yatra, the annual sojourn of the Holy Trinity- Lord Balabhadra, Mahaprabhu Jagannath and Devi Subhadra- is scheduled to begin from June 23 this year. However, with the extension of the lockdown, uncertainty is looming large on the festival which sees congregation of lakhs of devotees. As lockdown has been enforced across the country to stop the spread of COVID19, darshan of deities at Jagannath temple has also been suspended.
“Whether Rath Yatra will be organised or not this year is under discussion. No decision has been taken so far in this regard. We will take a final call on it soon,” Jena said today while speaking to mediapersons.
On the other hand, senior servitor of Puri Srimandir, Damodar Padhani said, “Rath Yatra will be certainly organised this year. Even if the lockdown is extended further after May 3, there will not be any issues in the chariot construction as the wooden logs have reached Puri. Moreover, the chariot construction will begin on June 1.”
Wooden logs brought to #Puri for construction of chariots of the Holy Trinity ahead of Rath Yatra scheduled later this year #Odisha pic.twitter.com/NnNn8oi7nz
— OTV (@otvnews) April 11, 2020
He said there is only one case of Coronavirus in Puri and the administration is tackling the situation very well. In view of the pandemic, no free access should be given to outsiders during the Rath Yatra, he added.
Also Read: Coronavirus Alert: Puri Srimandir To Be Out Of Bounds For Devotees Till March 31
He further said Srimandir servitors have suffered a huge loss due to the ongoing lockdown and demanded that the administration should hold discussions and announce financial package for servitors, who play a major role in Rath Yatra.
“We can defeat coronavirus and hold Rath Yatra,” he added.
Every year lakhs of devotees from across the world throng the pilgrim city to witness the grand festival. The preparations for the annual festival usually start two months in advance.
Speaking on Rath Yatra celebrations, senior servitor Binayak Das Mohapatra said, “Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath will be held without devotees due to COVID19 and if the situation does not improve in the near future, Rath Yatra of the Holy Trinity might also have to be organised without public participation.”
Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath will be held without devotees due to #COVID19 & if the situation does not improve in the near future, #RathYatra of the Holy Trinity might also have to be organised without public participation: Senior servitor Binayak Das Mohapatra pic.twitter.com/W1i78p6d2f
— OTV (@otvnews) April 15, 2020
Meanwhile, due to the lockdown, Puri Srimandir is facing a shortage of flower and basil leaves (tulsi) which are offered to the deities and used for rituals. In view of the shortage, a devotee, Chintu Baba of Dhenkanal came forward to supply flowers and basil leaves for the deities.
https://youtu.be/kYgfDutxsOo
“When I learnt that there is dearth of flowers and basil leaves in Srimandir, I became restless. I submitted an application to the district collector who helped me obtain a pass to bring flower and basil leaves to Srimandir."
“Even as the nationwide lockdown has been extended till May 3, I will try to ensure that flowers and basil leaves reach the deities,” he added.
Also Read: Coronavirus: Odisha Restricts Tourist Movement In Puri
Speaking about Chintu Baba, a servitor said, “He has been supplying flowers, basil leaves and vegetables to Srimandir since 2014. Even during the cyclone Fani, he contacted me and brought the flowers and basil leaves for Srimandir.”
https://youtu.be/SrcFlBdn8zw
Significantly, the State Capital Bhubaneswar on Saturday crossed the 450-mark, after a hiatus of nearly 8-months. The daily infection count in Bhubaneswar today stood at 451.
During the first wave, the Capital City had recorded 480 cases on September 12, 2020. But the twist in the tale is the recoveries then were around 83 per cent vis-a-vis mere around 25 per cent today. This shows more harrowing days in store for the smart city.
CATCHING THEM YOUNG?
As per data collected from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), during the last 15-day period, (April 1-16), a total of 2-4 per cent of daily new infections in the Smart city belong to the age group of below 14-years. The proportion in the city during the peak period last year had been around 1-2 per cent.
In the last 15-days, a total of around 87 children in the Capital City in the age group of 0-14 years have been reported Covid-19 positive. As per a data analysis, nearly 45 per cent of the total new infections in the city are below 10-years. Moreover, the gender divide shows that male child is more infected than girls. The ratio stood at around 67:33 in April.
How vulnerable the young souls in the city is evident from the fact that the population in the age group in Bhubaneswar has been estimated at around 2.7 lakh. Nearly 10 per cent of them belong to the age group of 0-6 years, the projections on Bhubaneswar census data revealed.
HOW INFECTION SPREADS TO CHILDREN?
As per a senior BMC official, like the first wave, it is the working-age group (20-45 years) who spreads the virus. But last time, the spread among children had been slower. Moreover, it has been observed that the majority of children in the city didn’t strictly adhere to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour. They still mingle in playgrounds, he observed.
THE LOCAL TRANSMISSION WORRY
A detailed look at the last 15-days data reveals that the local contact cases in the city during the last 7-days have dropped to around 82 per cent of the total daily positive cases as against 93 per cent of total cases in the preceding 7-day period.
CITY HOTSPOTS
The ward wise data prepared by BMC reveals that most of the clusters in the second wave have been the hotspots in the first wave too. And like the first wave, the slums have again become the engine of the growing tally.
As per highly placed sources, the slums in ward number 2, 12, 19, 23 (Khandagiri) and 27 (Nayapalli) have been contributing to the rising count of positive cases in the Capital city.
Nayapalli has become the epicentre of the Capital city. A total of 108 new positives have been detected in the locality during the last 7-days. The incidence looks high when the population of ward number 27 (Nayapalli) as per 2011 census has been estimated at around 12,039.
These five hospitals are in Sundargarh, Bargarh, Angul, Jagatsinghpur and Nabarangpur. They have a bed strength of 825, said an official.
With this, the state's dedicated COVID hospitals are now functional in 26 districts with a bed capacity of 5,000. The state government has decided to open at least one dedicated COVID hospital in each of the 30 districts. These COVID-19 hospitals are being set up to strengthen the state's preparedness in the fight against the pandemic.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik interacted with the doctors and health workers during the opening of these hospitals.
Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Pralhad Joshi and Odisha Health Minister Naba Das joined in the programme through video conferencing.
The government COVID hospitals will provide specialised treatment to the patients free of cost.
Read: COVID-19 In Odisha: Positive Cases Rise To 74, 13 In A Single Day
Odisha is today a front runner in COVID management in the country by putting in place an early preparedness mechanism.
Speaking at the opening function of the hospitals, the Chief Minister said, "It's a war we have to win." Appreciating the efforts of the district administrations in the successful establishment of these hospitals, he said that Odisha has established COVID hospitals with 5000 beds in a record time within 30 days.
Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pralhad Joshi appreciated the efforts made by Odisha and the steps taken by the state government in the battle against COVID-19.
While the 150-bed COVID hospital at Angul will be managed by SUM hospital Bhubaneswar and supported by MCL, the 200-bed COVID hospital at Bargarh will be managed by Vikash Multispecialty hospital and supported by IOCL. The 200-bed COVID hospital at Sundergarh will be managed by the district administration through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) with the support of the NTPC. The 75-bed hospital at Paradeep will be managed by the district administration with support from the state government and Paradeep Port Trust. The 200-bed COVID health care centre at Nabarangpur will be managed by the district administration and the Christian hospital with the support of Nalco.
(With IANS Inputs)
Also Read: COVID-19 Odisha: India’s 3.6% COVID Hospitals In State, 11 Suspects In ICU!
The government has also entrusted some senior officials to take charge as observers to handle the COVID crisis in the district level.
Development Commissioner Suresh Chandra Mohapatra and Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment department, Saurabh Garg have been entrusted with setting up of COVID hospitals in the State.
Home department principal secretary Sanjeev Chopra has been assigned the responsibilities of management of welfare arrangements of stranded Odias in other states. Similarly, principal secretary of labour & ESI, W&CD and MS department, Anu Garg will handle IEC activities and COVID-19 related trainings.
#BREAKING: Odisha govt assigns specific responsibilities to senior officers for better management of #COVID19 crisis in State
Govt appoints senior IAS officers as #Covid_19 observers to various districts as #Odisha prepares for return of around 5 lakh returnees from other States pic.twitter.com/ln6d7xEl1m
— OTV (@otvnews) April 26, 2020
Works department secretary Krishan Kumar has been assigned the work of registration of Odia returnees while water resources department secretary Surendra Kumar will look after supply and movement of essential goods.
The responsibilities of procurement of essential medical equipment and supply have been vested on principal secretary of Industries and MSME department, Hemant Sharma.
Sports and Tourism secretary Vishal Dev and Tourism director Sachin R Jadhav will work as Officers on Special Duty to Chief Secretary while Sports Director R Vineel Krishna will work as OSD to Chief Advisor of CMO.
In addition, Social welfare director Aravind Agarwal, SPD, OSEPA, BS Poonia and 2017 batch IAS officers-Somesh K. Upadhyay, P Anvesha Reddy and Hema Kanta Say-and Ghanshyam Upadhyay, JN Pankaj and Anirudh Kumar Singh, all IPS officers will be attached to Health and Family Welfare department.
The Odisha government has appointed senior IAS officers as Covid-19 observers to various districts as around 5 lakh people are expected to return to the State from outside.
“As the state anticipates return of people of Odisha living elsewhere to the state, to review the preparedness at the district level and to coordinate various other Covid-19 related activities, the appointment of COVID-19 observers is considered necessary,” the government statement read.
Here’s the list of COVID-19 observers appointed for various districts:-
Moreover, the State government has appointed some senior IAS officers to maintain coordination with the Centre, various States, and departments as well as with COVID-19 observers.
Senior IAS Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra has been appointed Additional Chief Secretary to the Health & Family Welfare department. He will look into finalisation and implementation of social distancing guidelines and will also be in additional charge of Revenue & Disaster Management department. Nikunja Dhal will continue as Principal secretary of H&FW Department, the government order said.
The government also appointed officials to manage the welfare arrangements of persons from Odisha stranded in other states.
Meanwhile, BJP National Vice-President Jay Panda who along with party Karyakartas across States has ensured migrants and needy do not suffer during the crisis, extended support to the team of senior civil servants tasked by the state government to lead Odisha’s part in the COVID-19 battle.
As Odisha braces for the return of a huge number of migrants, many many lakhs of them, I convey my best wishes & full support to the team of senior civil servants tasked by the state government to lead Odisha’s part in #IndiaFightsCoronavirus ?? pic.twitter.com/N2xXYN5RRh
— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) April 27, 2020
https://youtu.be/wSmedgKAJzk
The MHA in its order dated May 1 has notified that 'all non-essential activities shall remain strictly prohibited between 7 PM and 7 AM. Local authorities shall issue orders under appropriate provisions of law, such as prohibitory orders (curfew) under Section 144 of CrPC, for this purpose and ensure strict compliance.'
Odisha government has asked all Collector and District Magistrate/ Commissioner of Police/ Municipal Commissioner to issue the prohibition as per the MHA guidelines in order to prevent Covid-19 cases from exploding due to rising public activities for the first time after enforcement of the nationwide lockdown.
In a major step to curb the rising cases of Coronavirus under control, Twin City Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi today took to Twitter to mention that restrictions will be imposed on public movement from 7 PM to 7 AM in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack till May 17. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a letter mentioning the same.
https://twitter.com/otvnews/status/1257298500892741636
Though the Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar- Cuttack, did not impose prohibitory order under section 144 of CrPC, he said, “As per lockdown condition effective from today, in all zones and across India, movement out of the house is not permitted from 7 PM to 7 AM except for essential purposes. All are requested to stay home during this time. All emergency workers and goods are exempt from this restriction.”
All are requested to stay home during this time. All emergency workers and goods movement are exempted from this,” the Commissionerate of Police said in its twitter handle.
The police personnel in the state capital and also in Cuttack, a green zone, used the public address system to announce about the new restriction imposed from 7 pm to 7 am.
Relaxation in 3.0 #lockdown should not be granted as a license to prevent you from dangerous #CoronaVirus unless to maintain #SocialDistancing of 6 fts from each other equipped with PPE in our day to day social life. we appeal you all pls do this. ??? https://t.co/t9IlMSNo23
— DCP CUTTACK (@DCP_CUTTACK) May 4, 2020
Meanwhile, in a notification, Jagatsinghpur district collector S K Mohapatra said: "..there are sufficient grounds for proceeding under section 144 CrPC and that immediate prevention of the spread of COVID-19 is desirable and the situation, if not checked immediately, may lead to an undesirable consequence.
"Hence I do herby issue prohibitory orders (curfew) u/s 144 CrPC restricting the movement of individuals, for all non-essential activities between 7 pm to 7 am throughout the district of Jagatsinghpur."
He, however, said that the restriction will not restrict activities in industrial activities. Jagatsinghpur district continues to remain as a green zone and has so far not reported any COVID-19 case.
A report from Dhenkanal and Balasore district also informed that the district administration there also imposed restriction on the movement of people from 7 pm to 7 am.
Similarly, the District Collector of Koraput also issued a letter prohibiting movement of individuals for all non-essential activities from 7 pm to 7 am.
The district administration of Rayagada too restricted public movement in the district for all non-essential items from 7 pm to 7 am.
Keeping in view of the increasing COVID19 positive cases in Bhadrak district, the Collector had issued a partial prohibitory order on the movement of public for all non-essential items in the district from 7 pm to 7 am till 17 May 2020.
(With Agency Inputs)
Informing about the decision, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy informed that the ward-level committees will be constituted for both rural and urban areas.
“At present, panchayati raj institutions and Sarpanchs are maintaining quarantine centres and helping in COVID-19 management. We have decided to set up committees at ward-level so that they can help in surveillance at the community level,” said Tripathy.
It is believed that the ward-level committees comprising various ground staff and senior officials both in rural and urban areas can play a crucial role to maintain active surveillance that is believed to be the key to contain the spread of COVID-19. Official sources said that ward-level teams will be engaged to create awareness and will also look into other prominent aspects related to COVID-19 management similar to what is being followed at village or panchayat levels across the State.
The announcement was made by Tripathy after the State Cabinet meeting today. Apart from formation of ward-level committees, decision has also been taken to include migrants, who have returned from other States, under the Food Security Act in Odisha.
Around 3.18 lakh new beneficiaries have been covered under the Food Security Act since March this year, official sources said.
It is pertinent to mention here that gram panchayats are now playing a crucial role in assisting the State government in the overall COVID-19 management following easing of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and return of migrants in a phased manner.
Also Read: Odisha Cabinet Approves 22 Proposals: Focus On Livelihood Of Migrants & Farmers
As per Information & Public Relations (I&PR) Department, of the fresh cases reported from 29 districts, 374 are from quarantine and the rest 268 were local transmission.
Keonjhar reported the highest 70 fresh cases in the past 24 hours followed by Nuapada (69), Sundargarh (66), Khordha (62), Angul (46) and Mayurbhanj (41).
As far as the fatalities are concerned, Five patients succumbed to the virus in Sundargarh district, and three deaths were recorded in Sambalpur and Angul, Rayagada, Nuapada, Khordha (Bhubaneswar), Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack districts reported one death each, informed the State Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department.
The department has shared the details of the 14 COVID patients who succumbed while undergoing treatment at various hospitals:
As of now, at least 53 patients infected with COVID-19 have died due to pre-existing ailments, informed the H&FW Department.
After today’s surge, the active cases in the State have risen to 6821 while 306726 positive patients have so far recovered from the disease..