Odisha CM asks Collectors to be ready for migrants’ return

Ensure patients get maximum possible number of beds with oxygen support, Patnaik also tells officials

Bhubaneswar: At a time when there is an upsurge in Covid cases and the worst-affected States are imposing lockdowns, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed the District Collectors to be prepared for return of the migrants.

While reviewing the Covid situation through video-conferencing, the Chief Minister asked the Collectors to reactivate the protocols immediately that were followed by the State government earlier on basis of the existing database of migrants.

“The quarantine norm and testing should be ensured for all the returnees from other states. Senior officers assigned as Observer and other responsibilities to put their best effort like last year,” the Chief Minister added.

He also directed officials to ramp up beds with oxygen system. Although there is no problem of beds and oxygen in the state currently, still we will have to remain prepared, he added.

“Further increase in the number of beds in Covid Hospitals and Covid Care Centres across the State. Special focus should be on providing maximum possible number of beds with oxygen support. The system has to work on war-footing to ensure this within committed timelines,” he said.

The officials were asked to monitor Oxygen supply situation closely and ensure that all related accessories at the hospital level are available on priority.

“Many States are facing critical medicines shortage. Even though we have sufficient medicines stock, we must ensure buffer stock to tackle higher demand in coming weeks,” he said.

IEC campaign has to be further ramped up. People have to be educated on the dangerous spread of the second wave and the need for active adherence to Covid protocols. The community, Mission Shakti group, PRI members should be actively involved in the process.

Also, the Chief Minister said the enforcement activities have to be continued to be implemented strictly across the state.

Urging people to cooperate, the Chief Minister said the restrictions are being imposed in the interest of State and people to manage the Covid situation without “lockdown”.

Wearing mask and maintaining social distance will help us in this, he added.

Among others, Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra, Development Commissioner and SRC Pradeep Kumar Jena, ACS Health and Family Welfare Department PK Mohapatra and Secretary to CM VK Pandian and Collectors were present in the review meeting.

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