COVID-19 Vaccine: Pregnant Women, People Above 60 Years To Get Priority, Says Odisha CM

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said pregnant women and people above 60 years along with health workers will be accorded priority in distribution of COVID-19 vaccine.

Reviewing the COVID-19 management in the state, the chief minister said the vaccines for the disease have reached final stage of testing and are expected to be available soon. Stating that the database of acute patients will be helpful in this regard, he called for fool-proof plan to ensure protection of vulnerable section of the society.

However, Naveen said preventive measures like wearing masks, cleaning hands and maintaining social distance will be fruitful till the vaccine is available.

Since the second wave of the pandemic has broken out in the US, European countries and New Delhi, the chief minister advised the people to be careful in the winter season.

He directed the chief secretary to devise a strategy for smooth conduct of Standard X and Plus II examinations in the light of COVID-19.

Chief secretary Asit Tripathy spoke on the measures taken for preventing spread of COVID-19 in winter season and ensuring livelihood of the people. Additinal chief secretary, Health department Pradip Kumar Mohapatra outlined the steps on smooth vaccination process.