Odisha CM Sets Target For This Week, Says Next 15 Days Crucial In COVID-19 Fight

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday said that the next 15 days will be challenging in the fight against COVID-19 following resumption of flights and railway services.

While reviewing COVID-19 situation in the state, the CM suggested the officers to plan a fortnight drive to create serious awareness on social distancing, wearing of masks and frequent hand hygiene among people.

“Our learning is that vulnerable population including elderly persons, people with co-morbid conditions need extra care. So I would suggest that we plan a fortnight of serious awareness creation in all the above mentioned points,” he said, while appreciating the  efforts of all stakeholders involved in the united fight against COVID-19 in Odisha.

He further said that social distancing was not social boycotting. “A combination of awareness creation coupled with strict action is required. This would also be a target for this week,” he said.

Stating that testing has to be smart to take care of frontline workers and vulnerable population, Naveen said that he was happy to know that Odisha one of the leading states in testing in the country and could establish decentralized testing facilities in every part of the state.

“95 per cent of our positive cases are from quarantine centers. This shows the robustness of our system and the efforts put by sarpanchs, people’s representatives and the entire government machinery from top to bottom cutting across departments. The humane work done by police in ensuring zero walking inside Odisha is praiseworthy,” he said.

The CM also appreciated efforts of all those who managed COVID-19 and cyclone situation simultaneously and thanked the people of state for their sacrifices and cooperation.