Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has welcomed the Centre's announcement to provide COVID-19 precaution dose to all adults for free.

Stating that the pandemic is not over yet, he urged people to get vaccinated for a COVID-free Odisha.

"Welcome the decision of the Government of India to launch a special drive to provide free precaution doses of #COVID19 vaccines to 18-59 age group of people. Appeal all eligible people to come forward and get vaccinated for a #CovidFreeOdisha (sic)," he tweeted.

Odisha on Wednesday logged 743 Covid-19 cases. In view of the rise in cases, the state government made wearing masks compulsory in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

(With agency inputs)