‘Odisha fully prepared for vaccination programme’

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said the State is fully-prepared for the vaccination programme when the Covid vaccine will be available. During a virtual meet of Chief Ministers with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the status and preparedness of COVID-19 response, Patnaik said, “Odisha is fully prepared with a system in place for vaccine distribution when it is available with focus on frontline health workers, people above 50 years and comorbidity.”

With a cautious note the Chief Minister added the duration of the vaccine’s efficacy against COVID-19 virus is still unknown. “Though we have prepared for the seamless vaccination programme to save every life on priority basis, we can’t lower our guard, even if when the vaccine is available,” he said.

Emphasising on the need for use of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, he said, “We need to ensure that we all continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and hygiene to protect ourselves against COVID-19. Let’s resolve not to take the virus lightly.”