Odisha CM Calls For Strategy To Combat Rising COVID-19 Cases In Cuttack & Khurda

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday called for drawing up a strategy to combat increasing COVID-19 cases in Khurda and Cuttack districts.

Reviewing the COVID-19 situation and economic activities in the state through video-conferencing, Naveen said though Odisha has performed better than the national scene in handling the pandemic, the rising cases in Khurda and Cuttack are a matter of concern. He called upon the officials to frame a strong strategy to handle the pandemic in the two districts.

Stating that 20 lakh people have been tested for COVID-19 with an average of 42,404 per 10 lakh, he said it is better than the national average. Similarly, recovery rate is 76.78% and death rate 0.46% in the state, he added.

With normalcy returning after monsoon rain and flood, the chief minister advised the officials to distribute relief materials among the affected people and keep a close watch on those suffering from cold and flu.

He directed to alert government as well as private clinics in this regard and launch a joint campaign on COVID-19 protocols by Health and I&PR departments. He also told to ensure ICU beds in hospitals at district-level and ensure that critical patients avail those.

Since the coronavirus is spreadng rapidly among the government employees, particularly in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Naveen directed to strictly follow the COVID-19 protocols like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.

During the discussion on agriculture, industry and infrastructure sectors, the chief minister stressed on livelihood of the people and directed the officials to visit the districts to take stock of the implementation of schemes in this regard.

It was revealed at the meeting that normalcy is returning to agriculture, industry, MSME and other sectors. It has been targeted to cover 55.52 lakh hectare during kharif season this year which is 5% per cent more than the last year. Similarly, crop loan to the tune of Rs 9965 crore has been disbursed this year.

In the steel and mining sectors, 200 new projects with investment of Rs 17,514 crore were approved between April and August. The projects are expected to generate 13,000 employment opportunities. Besides, 1.5 lakh MSME units will be extended loan to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore this year.

Besides chief secretary, senior officers of departments concerned participated in the video-conference.