Odisha Channel Bureau
Bhubaneswar: Odisha government on December 1 announced to strictly enforce COVID-19 protocols in view of the World Health Organisation warning that the new virus variant poses ‘very high’ global risk and may lead to surges with severe consequences.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the State, underlined the need to reactivate all COVID-19 protocol and keep the COVID facilities and personnel on high alert.
“Odisha has adopted a cautious approach towards the pandemic from the beginning. We have been able to successfully control the first and second waves of COVID in spite of challenging situations. We are now battle hardened and I am sure we will be able to successfully tackle this resurgence as well, observed Patnaik.
The Chief Minister directed the State Health Department to stay prepared to cope with the emerging situation.
“We have to enforce the COVID safety protocols strictly,” Patnaik said while urging the Director General of Police to continue the good work done by the police since the first wave.
The Information & Public Relations Department should start a new awareness campaign to sensitise the citizens to follow norms of face mask, hand hygiene and social distancing, he said.
Patnaik asked the District Collectors to involve all sections of the society including the PRI Members, Mission Shakti groups, etc. and ensure awareness and enforcement.
“This new wave of COVID virus spread seems to be more infectious and therefore, make sure everyone takes it seriously,” Patnaik told the Collectors.
He also appealed to the people of Odisha to be alert and follow the COVID safety norms and cooperate with the enforcement machinery.
