Chief Minister Reviews COVID-19 Situation in Odisha

B h u b a n e s w a r : Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reviewed the situation of COVID-19 across Odisha during a meeting over video conferencing. During the high-level meeting with senior officials, the Chief Minister emphasized awareness and strict enforcement of COVID guidelines.

The administration was asked to step up surveillance and testing across the State.In Odisha, 40% of cases contributed by four districts (Cuttack (13%), Khordha (10%), Sundergarh (9%), Mayurbhanj (8%).

The Chief Minister noted that there has been a recent upsurge in COVID cases in some States and some pockets of Odisha, hence the State needs to increase vigilance.

All health facilities and community health workers are to step up surveillance of ILI/SARI cases and ensure their testing. The testing of returnees from Red Flag States is to be ensured as per Health and Family Welfare Department guidelines, the Government stated.

RT-PCR testing levels must be increased as per the targets communicated to districts. Samples should be dispatched to laboratories on the same day. Manpower required by districts and labs to achieve the recommended level of testing, is to be retained beyond 31st March. For all positive cases, contact tracing must be done and the guideline of Test-Track-Treat be followed.

“Wherever a cluster of cases is detected, mini-containment zones can be set up. Police is to give special attention to enforcing COVID Appropriate Behaviour in public places, especially in  markets, religious institutions, wedding venues etc. Urban areas are more vulnerable to rapid spread. Enforcement and surveillance activities are to be keenly monitored. All precautions are to be observed during the upcoming Holi festival, as per the guidelines issued by SRC.”

As on today, Odisha has 898 active cases, out of that 102 are in COVID Facilities i.e. 11% of the total case. In Private health facility 95% of General beds and 58% ICU/HDU beds are vacant. InGovernment Health facilities 99% of General beds and 94% ICU/ HDU beds are vacant, the Health and Family Welfare Department informed.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Wastage Rate of the State is 0.24%, which is one of the lowest in the country (much below the admissible norm of wastage is 10%). Districts with more than 2%  Wastage Rate: Sundergarh: 9.5%; Kandhamal 6.4%; Nayagarh: 4.6%; Gajapati – 2.5%; and Ganjam – 2.1%. Till March 22, total vaccine dosage given in Odisha is 18,81,906, the Health  Department further stated.

About Post Author