Amid Omicron Fear, Odisha CM Appeals People To Be Alert & Follow COVID Safety Norms

Bhubaneswar: We have to enforce COVID safety protocols strictly, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a review meeting here on Wednesday.

Odisha has adopted a cautious approach towards the pandemic from the beginning and has taken measures after the detection of Omicron variant, he added.

The World Health Organisation has warned that the new virus variant poses ‘very high’ global risk and may lead to surges with severe consequences. Many countries in Europe have been experiencing increasing infections in recent weeks.

“From the beginning we have been able to successfully control the first and second waves of COVID in spite of challenging situations. We are now battle hardened and I am sure we will be able to successfully tackle this resurgence as well,” said the Chief Minister.

Naveen laid stress on reactivating all protocols and keep COVID facilities and personnel on high alert. “I would like to hear from the Health department about the emerging situation and the related preparations,” the Chief Minister said.

He asked the Director General of Police to continue the good work done by police since the first wave and enforce the protocols strictly.

The I&PR department has been advised to start a new awareness campaign to sensitise people on wearing face mask, follow hand hygiene and social distancing to keep the virus at bay.

Collectors should involve all sections of the society including the PRI members, Mission Shakti groups, etc and ensure awareness and enforcement. “This new wave of COVID virus spread seems to be more infectious and therefore, make sure everyone takes it seriously,” the Chief Minister said.

“I appeal all the people of Odisha to be alert and follow the COVID safety norms and please cooperate with the enforcement machinery,” appealed the Chief Minister.