Odisha prepares database of risk-groups for Covid inoculation for first phase inoculation
By Sukant Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 21: With the vaccine development exercises reportedly reaching their final stages, the Odisha government is mulling to prioritise the segments which will avail the vaccines in the first phase.
According to sources, pregnant women, people above 60 years and frontline health workers will be given priority during the first phase inoculation. It is reliably learnt that the state government has instructed the health department to prepare a list of the human resources engaged in the fight against Covid-19 and others in the high-risk groups so as to ensure that they undergo the inoculation process in the first phase.
The instruction follows a recent Covid-19 review meeting by chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday.
Sources added that a database of high-risk groups has already been prepared.
In the review meeting, the CM called for a foolproof professional and scientific plan for vaccinating the vulnerable sections of society. He, however, cautioned against any laxity on part of the people and emphasised continuing adherence to all Covid protocols.
Preventive measures like wearing masks, cleaning hands and maintaining social distance is a must till arrival of the vaccine, he said.
As resurgence of a second wave of the virus is apprehended during the ongoing winter, the CM directed the health department to ensure that intensive care units (ICUs) of various Covid hospitals remain fully functional.
Health experts have cautioned people against lowering guard as a fresh wave of the pandemic has already gripped the US, European countries and New Delhi.
“A three-fold increase in corona cases in the United States in a month is enough indication for us to be careful in the winter season. The third wave of Covid in the national capital Delhi also comes as a strong warning for all of us,” says Dr A K Acharya, a health expert.
