COVID Review: Naveen Asks Officials To Remain Vigilant Despite No Rise In Active Cases

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday advised the state administration not to be complacent and to remain vigilant and continue awareness programmes on COVID though the active cases have not increased significantly recently.

Reviewing the COVID situation in the state through video-conferencing, the chief minister said there has not been significant increase in daily positive cases in the third wave, but the administration cannot remain satisfied with it and should keep a sharp eye on spread of the disease.

He stressed on booster dose to senior citizens and frontline warriors and awareness campaign with cooperation of Mission Shakti groups.

Naveen advised the police to take extra efforts to ensure that COVID protocols are followed by the people. The Rapid Response Teams and field workers should also monitor the condition of COVID patients in home isolation.

There is no reason to panic for the pandemic, but the people should follow COVID guidelines, he added.

Development Commissioner-cum-Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Jena spoke on the steps taken for strict enforcement of COVUD guidelines. Additional Chief Secretary (Health) RK Sharma, in a detailed presentation on the COVID situation in the state, informed that while the daily testing has gone up to 65,000-70,000, the positivity rate has remained at 11.4% which is less than the national average.

Municipal Commissioners of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack and Collectors of Khurda and Rayagada spoke on the pandemic situation in their areas. Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian coordinated the meeting.