Making an appeal Naveen Patnaik has urged the people to take a pledge on the occasion of Durga Puja to remain careful till vaccines are available for COVID-19.Mr.Patnaik made this appeal in a special video message to the people of Odisha.
“Let us take a pledge before the Maa to prevent the spread of infection,” he said. “The character profile of corona is very critical. Let us remain careful till there are medicines/vaccines. One needs to remain more watchful and alert during the Durga Puja and Diwali festivals and also in winter,” CM Mr.Patnaik said. He pointed out that though Kerala performed very well all along, suddenly witnessed a rise in cases following the Onam festival.
Mr.Patnaik also said that the COVID-19 situation in the UK, France, Spain and other European countries improved after reaching the peak, but the highly infectious virus has again reared its ugly head. While the daily infection number in the United Kingdom was 1,200 on 1 September, it has now increased to 17,000 on 18 October. France on 31 August confirmed 3,000 plus cases , it further increased to 26,000 on October 10, Mr.Patnaik informed.
Mr.Patnaik said India’s position is second in terms of COVID-19 cases after America.
The experts opine that the corona is likely to take much critical form during the winter, he said. Making an appeal Mr.Patnaik said “Therefore, I request all not to crowd outside and worship Mother Durga in respective houses. All should wear face masks, wash hands and maintain social distancing”.
Mr.Patnaik said there should be no complacency as the character profile of Corona is “very critical”. Chief Minister cited the example of Ganjam and Gajapati districts in Odisha where the COVID-19 cases have substantially come down. “Ganjam was a corona hot spot two months ago.
However, the scenario has completely changed now due to peoples cooperation, community participation and hard work of the COVID Warriors,” he reminded. CM said the sacrifice made by people in following COVID-19 norms has been largely responsible for successfully combating the virus in the state. Some people, however, deviate and do not adhere to the norms, CM rued.
The daily COVID-19 cases have dipped in Odisha. While the number of new cases detection was above 4,000 for some time, now the number had fallen to below 2,000. Under this backdrop, CM called upon people not to adopt laxity till the state defeats the deadly virus.
