Fight against COVID-19: Odisha CM directs to prepare special plans for Cuttack, Khordha

Bhubaneswar: Amid the surge in COVID-19 positive cases, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed officials to chalk out special plans for Cuttack and Khordha districts to combat the disease.

During a review meeting through video conference, the Chief Minister said the COVID-19 situation in the State is better than the national level. He, however, advised officials to prepare better strategy for Cuttack and Khordha districts in view of the rise in positive cases.

In the State, COVID-19 tests of around 20 lakh people have been carried out so far. Similarly, the recovery rate in the State is at 76.78% whereas the death rate is at 0.46%, the Chief Minister added.

As more number of people are likely to suffer from cough and fever in the ongoing rainy season, the Chief Minister directed the government and private fever clinics to remain alert. He also asked the Health and Family Welfare Department to make ICU bed arrangement for critical COVID-19 patients at the hospitals in the concerned districts.

Patnaik emphasized on the need to create employment and protect livelihood of people. He advised the departments to remove hindrances to create livelihood and directed District Observers to review the situation.

He assured the State government’s complete support to Industry and MSME sectors. He directed officials to ensure simple and transparent GST reimbursement to help the sectors.

Among other, the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, Special Relief Commissioner, 5T Secretary and other senior officials were present in the review meeting.