Strict action if someone communalises COVID situation: Odisha CM

Bhubaneswar, April 6 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday directed the police to be vigilant and take strict action against those trying to communalise Covid-19 situation in the state.Reviewing the current healthcare situation, the Chief Minister warned of zero tolerance to mischief-mongers and asked police to ensure social harmony.He also emphasised on scaling up corona test facilities across the state.As of now, test facilities are available at Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and SCB Medical College and Hospital.The Chief Minister directed to expedite the process of developing test facilities at MKCG-Berhampur and VIMSAR-Burla.He also directed officials to ensure at least 1,000 tests per day in Odisha by April 10.To make the medical teams well-equipped to fight the spread of coronavirus, the Chief Minister stressed the need for sufficient number of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and other equipment for medical professionals.Patnaik also reviewed the opening of new Covid hospitals across Odisha and asked officials to develop additional capacity of at least 3,000 beds by April 15 in the state.He also also stressed upon seamless movement of goods and essential commodities in the state during the lockdown.
--IANS cd/tsb