Unlocking process in Odisha districts, where positivity rate fell, under consideration, hints CM

Bhubaneswar: Emphasising on the need to be prepared for possible third wave of Covid-19 disease Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed officials to ensure setting up of infrastructure for Covid treatment of pediatric age group and procurement of adequate quantity of medicines.

While reviewing the Covid situation in the State, Patnaik stated as experts have been predicting that pediatric population will be mostly affected by the possible third wave, he asked to provide additional training to Doctors and Health workers on treating the disease.

The Chief Minister asked officials to be prepared as the Technical Task Force Committee on possible Covid third wave has recommended the same.

He hinted the State government is considering to start unlock process in phases in the districts where test positivity rate have been declining considerably. Worth mentioning, the State has been under lockdown till June 17, 2021 to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Patnaik directed to augment the daily vaccination number to three lakh from 1.5 lakh at present.
Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra, who was present in the review meeting, stated the test positivity rate in the State has come down, thereby demand for ICU and oxygen beds have come down.

Additional Chief Secretary PK Mohapatra informed training programme on treatment of pediatric age group will begin soon for 1,114 Doctors and 1,036 Health Workers in the State. During fourth sero survey from mid-June in Ganjam, Koraput and Rayagada districts data on pediatric age group will be collected as well, he added.

Among others, the DGP, 5T Secretary, Development Commissioner and senior officials were present in the review meeting.