People in the age group of 18 to 44 queue up outside a vaccination centre at Unit IV UPHC in Bhubaneswar on Monday
BHUBANESWAR: The first day of the vaccination drive for people in the 18-44 age group passed off smoothly in the capital, the only place in the state where it has been started. This despite the huge rush at the 30 sites, which were designated for the massive exercise.
“The rush was owing to people coming with their documents for offline entry, apart from those who had registered their names in the Co-WIN portal. The latter had been allotted the sites. The morning hours were particularly hectic with many dropping by without prior registration. We appeal to people to come with prior registration, else it will lead to utter chaos and violation of Covid norms. We came across a site, which according to our micro plan, can inoculate 200 people. But it was teeming with more than 500 people. This is not advisable,” BMC commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhury said.
Synopsis
On April 25, CM Naveen Patnaik had announced free vaccination for everyone in the age group of 18 to 44 years. This drive would entail a cost of Rs 2,000 crore, a released from the Chief Minister s Office said.
Covid-19 surge: Odisha govt declares 14-day lockdown from May 5
The Odisha government on Sunday declared a 14-day lockdown from May 5 to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the state, an official order said.
In a video message, Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra said the lockdown will be imposed in the entire state from May 5 (5 am) till May 19.
Along with the lockdown, the weekend shutdown in urban areas will also be in force till May 15, he said.