Bhubaneswar: The state’s first ‘Drive-in Vaccination’ session took place in the basement of Esplanade One mall on Saturday.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) vaccinated 400 people above the age of 45 years on Day 1. The drive-in provision allowed people to travel in their vehicles to the parking lot and get the jab without having to step out of their vehicles. This ensured minimal exposure.
Separate lanes were earmarked for those in queue. Only those who had registered were allowed to get vaccinated.
The drive started at 8.45 am and ended at 6 pm, with a break of two hours.
BMC and mall authorities helped spread the word about COVID-appropriate behaviour. People who took their vaccine here were pleased with the arrangement as it allowed them to stay comfortably within their vehicles, thus minimizing the risk of contracting the infection.
“I was in a dilemma whether I can take vaccine at a centre and wait, after my illness… but it’s my good luck that the facility arranged by BMC at Esplanade Mall helped me get the vaccine today. I thank BMC for such a commendable step to fight the pandemic,” said Manoj Kumar Patra, a 51-year-old denizen of Bhubaneswar.
