Soon after announcing the extension of a state-wide lockdown, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has claimed that COVID-19 cases are leveling off in Odisha. Of the 60 confirmed cases, 18 have recovered. “That’s an excellent sign,” said Patnaik, referring to Odisha’s low ratio of positive cases to the size of sample tested.
On the morning of April 15, reviewing the situation, Patnaik assigned a series of tasks to the respective departments and expressed his gratitude to the frontline workers. Here is the action plan set by the Chief Minister during the meeting:
– To set up hospitals exclusively for coronavirus in all districts by next week. This will add 36 COVID-19 hospitals with a combined bed capacity of 6000. Also, referring to the approval received by the central government, Patnaik instructed to commence testing at VIMSAR, Burla in two days.
– To keep up to the regular demands of the people, Patnaik directed the police to ensure that the movement of essential and non-essential commodities should not be stopped and the transport of agricultural products should continue seamlessly.
– To ensure proper training is provided to officials involved in containment of COVID-19. So far, 1.5 lakh officials have been trained at different levels.
Additionally, the official handle of Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha tweeted the following list of COVID-19 hospitals that is to be operational by 20th April, as advised by the Chief Minister:
-NTPC Medical College, Sundargarh
-OLD DHH, Jharsuguda
-DHH, Sambalpur
-MCH Building, Bargarh
-Government ITI, Sonepur
-Anwesha Hostel, Nuapada
-B.ED College, Nabarangpur
-GNM Centre, Phulbani
-Chandapur TB Hospital, Nayagarh
-Government Ayurvedic College, Puri
-Biju Jatri Niwas, Angul
-Anwesha Hostel, Banki
-KISS Campus, Baripada
Patnaik also expressed his happiness over the commencement of testing at MKCG MCH, Berhampur and IGH, Rourkela. He lauded the health professionals, sanitation workers, police and public servants for their efforts to contain the pandemic.
Finally, he praised the people of Odisha for their wholehearted support during the lockdown.