Even as there is an upsurge in Covid cases and the worst-affected States are imposing lockdowns, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday directed the district Collectors to be prepared for return of migrant labourers.
While reviewing the Covid situation through videoconferencing, the CM asked the Collectors to immediately reactivate the protocols that were followed by the State Government earlier on the basis of the existing database of migrants.
“The quarantine norm and testing should be ensured for all the returnees from other States. Senior officers designated as Observers and assigned for other responsibilities have to put their best effort like last year,” the CM stated. He also directed officials to increase the number of beds with oxygen system. “Although there is no problem of beds and oxygen in the State currently, we will have to remain prepared,” he said.
“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 the 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 medicine stocks, we must ensure buffer stocks to tackle higher demand in coming weeks,” he said. People have to be educated on the dangerous spread of the Covid second wave and the need for active adherence to the Covid protocols.
The community, Mission Shakti groups, PRI members should be actively involved in the process, he said. The CM said the restrictions are being imposed in the interest of State and people to manage Covid situation without “lockdown”.