Shift to shelter homes, wear double masks, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik tells people in coastal areas

BHUBANESWAR: As the State is now facing two threats - Covid-19 pandemic and a cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday requested the people of coastal districts to cooperate with the administration for their evacuation to safer places and wear double mask.In a video message to the people, the Chief Minister said the aim of administration is to shift every person from vulnerable and low-lying areas to safer places. He requested all to fully help the administration in evacuation to safer places as the government officials are under tremendous pressure during the last two months due to the pandemic.

The Chief Minister warned people to be extra cautious because of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Wherever you are, in a cyclone shelter or pucca house, wear double mask. Double mask for double threat,” he said and urged people to follow sanitation protocol, wash hands with soap and use sanitiser.The Chief Minister said last year, the State had tackled cyclone Amphan along with Covid and emerged victorious from it. He said Odisha is fighting against Covid for more than last one year and cyclone Yaas has come as a greater challenge. “We have to face both the challenges simultaneously,” he added. Stating that natural disasters like cyclones are nothing new for Odisha, the Chief Minister said a small lapse can create a bigger problem. However, the government is prepared to tackle both the threats and cooperation of the people will make the fight against these challenges more stronger, he added.

The Chief Minister urged the people to remain cautious about Covid before and after the cyclone. The collectors have been asked to provide masks through Mission Shakti as per requirement. Community participation should also be given priority during these challenging times, he added.“Panchayat representatives, civil society and common people have extended help to the government during different crisis period. This time also the State will win the war against Covid and cyclone with their active participation,” he said.