Odisha CM Calls For ‘War-Footing’ Preparations To Deal With Omicron, Possible Third Wave

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed officials and authorities to make preparations on a war-footing in the state to deal with a possible third COVID wave in the coming weeks triggered by the Omicron variant.

In a meeting on Monday, where he took stock of the state’s preparedness to deal with an Omicron-fuelled third wave, the CM issued a series of urgent directives to officials across departments, calling for the same level of readiness seen during the first and second waves. The state has so far reported eight Omicron cases but the CM cautioned that there could be a surge in cases in the coming days.

Patnaik also took stock of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) smart health cards scheme and directed officials to ensure that all the beneficiaries were provided with the cards within a week.

He directed the state Health department, health and district authorities to step up the vaccination drive and reopen COVID facilities that were set up during the first and second waves but were closed after cases dropped. Hospitals should have adequate oxygen supplies, he said.

The CM also directed the Health department to ensure adequate facilities to treat children.

Praising the state police for their work during the first and second waves, Patnaik directed them to launch drives to ensure people follow COVID protocols and take action against violators.

He also stressed on launching fresh awareness campaigns on the importance of wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands.

Praising the BSKY programme, the CM directed district Collectors and SPs to ensure its success and especially monitor private hospitals to make sure they treat the beneficiaries. He said that in the next week all beneficiaries must be provided with BSKY health cards.

Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said that regular meetings were being held with officials to deal with the COVID situation in the state.