Odisha Chief Secy Reviews COVID Situation, Orders Vaccination Drive In Colleges

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Thursday directed officials concerned to undertake COVID-19 vaccination drives in colleges and higher educational institutions across the state in view of a steep jump in cases.

Mahapatra reviewed the COVID situation in the state at a high-level meeting held in hybrid mode at the Lok Seva Bhawan. He directed all Collectors and departments concerned to remain vigilant and vaccinate people above 18 years of age on a war-footing.

He also directed them to enforce COVID-appropriate behaviour in public places, ramp up testing and operationalise a 24×7 COVID helpline.

With the Centre deciding to give free booster shots of the COVID vaccine to all in the 18-59 age group at government vaccination centres, the Odisha government has accelerated its preparation for the 75-day special drive, aimed at boosting the uptake of COVID precaution doses, from Friday as part of the government’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

“Free booster doses will be made available at 2,500 vaccination centres. While there are adequate health workers to administer the booster doses to beneficiaries, we do not have enough stock of vaccines and the Centre will be informed about it,” said Health and Family Welfare Director Bijay Panigrahi on Thursday.