While reviewing the Covid situation in the State on Tuesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik focussed on strict enforcement of the Covid guidelines in the districts having the highest infection rates.
He said that although the positivity rate has come down to 5% in the State, there is the need for extra caution. He expressed satisfaction over the door-to-door survey, which could help identify Covid patients better and treat them immediately.In view of a possible third Covid wave, Patnaik suggested that all arrangements for the treatment of diseases among children and training of doctors be given high priority. He emphasised on ensuring that the oxygen plants in various hospitals are operational within the stipulated timeframes. “While fast-pacing immunisation would be the prime focus for the next few months, all required facilities in vaccination centres should be ensured by the district Collectors as we are now vaccinating 3 lakh people a day,” he said. Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra said that in 17 south-western districts, there has been no spike of Covid cases even after partial relaxation in lockdown norms. But the situation in coastal and northern districts, especially in undivided Puri, Cuttack, Baleswar and Mayurbhanj, is quit alarming. Additional Chief Secretary (Health) PK Mohapatra added that the positivity rates in Ganjam and Jharsuguda districts have drastically come down to below 1% while in Khordha and Puri districts it is 9%-15%. Special emphasis is being made on micro containment zones and testing. The situation is expected to improve by July 15, he said.
