Odisha Chief Secy Directs Dist Collectors To Remain Vigilant Against Spread Of Omicron Variant

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government is bracing up to keep COVID-19 under check, specially after two cases of Omicron variant were detected in the state.

Chief Secretary Suresh Mahapatra held a video conferencing with all collectors, SPs and CDMOs to review COVID-19 situation in the state. He asked the district and field officials to be extremely vigilant, intensify testing, vaccination and enforcement.

Stating that the new variant has high transmissibility and each day new findings are coming about the virus, its behavior and impact, he directed all field officials to stay prepared for checking  the possible spread of Omicron, the new variant of COVID-19.

The Chief Secretary also advised all people above the age of 18 to get themselves vaccinated. In Odisha, 88.2 per cent of the above 18 population has been vaccinated with first dose and around 86 per cent took second dose. Around 99.8 per cent of the health care workers and frontline workers were vaccinated.

Chief Secretary directed to prepare village-wise vaccination chart and inform the villagers in advance to ensure 100 per cent vaccination. He also directed to keep ready necessary medicines, oxygen cylinders, beds, ICUs and ventilators in all government hospitals. The oxygen plants must be kept in good running condition, he added.

Health and Family Welfare department was asked to inform private hospitals in advance whenever their services would be needed.

Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Raj Kumar Sharma said it has been decided to enhance daily testing to 70,000 and district targets fixed accordingly.

The district officials were also directed to ensure strict enforcement of COVID norms and public participation in mass events.

Principal Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, Bishnupada Sethi and Principal Secretary, School and Mass Education, Satyabrata Sahu also attended.

Also Read: Omicron Scare In Odisha: Fresh COVID Guidelines For New Year Celebrations Soon!