Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik apprehends second wave of COVID-19 in mid-December.
Reviewing the COVID situation in the State, Naveen said that the Europe and western countries are now experiencing second wave of COVID-19 and there are possibilities that the second wave of COVID-19 might be witnessed in Odisha as well in the second week of December.
Under such conditions we need to be extra cautious during the peak of winter season, the Chief Minister said.
Appealing people to follow strict COVID-19 guidelines, he said In the event of a second wave in the State, we must strictly abide by the COVID protocols such as using face masks, social distancing and hand hygiene practices.
There can be no laxity in practicing the COVID prevention measures, he added.
Naveen however expressed satisfaction over the downward trend of new positive cases and increase in the recovery rate.
After Durga Puja, festivals are lined up and citing the example of Onam celebrations in Kerala he said we need be more carefully during festive season.
He requested people to follow the COVID guidelines during Deepavali festival and thanked everyone for their cooperation during the Puja season.
He also praised the role of police during Puja.
Patnaik asked the Covid observers for district to visit the district for oversee strict implementation of government guidelines during Diwali.
The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to train para medical staff and doctors to treat people who have recovered from COVID-19. People are facing health complications after recovery from the COVID-19 which needs to be duly addressed. He also directed to prepare a protocol on the issue.