Berhampur: In a first in Odisha, the Press Club in Berhampur has converted its premises into a COVID isolation centre.
The isolation centre will be used by the scribes and their family members in case they get infected by the virus.
With the support of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC), the Press Club has converted the club premises into an isolation centre.
The centre has eight beds, two oximeters, two thermal screening machines and other essential things, such as bed sheets, pillows, mugs, buckets etc. The Lions Club has promised to supply 3 oxygen cylinders. The Press Club is trying to arrange one oxygen cylinder for each bed at the centre with the help of district administration.
The Berhampur Press Club had planned to start the isolation centre during the first wave of COVID-19. However, the plan could not be materialized due to several resaons. As several scribes are getting infected by the virus in the second wave in line with duties, the Press Club has decided to extend help to its members at this distress moment, said Berhampur Press Club President and senior journalist Sisir Panigrahi.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declared working journalists of the State as Frontline Covid Warriors.
Approving a proposal to this effect, the Chief Minister has said working journalists are doing a great service to the State by providing seamless news feed, making people aware on issues relating to Covid at this very trying time and they are a great support for our war against Covid.
The decision will benefit 6944 working journalists of the State.