Bengaluru: Bitten hard in the current wave of COVID-19 pandemic for lack of preparedness, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has suggested officials to constitute a Task Force following experts opinion on the possible third wave of pandemic in the coming months.

Speaking at a meeting of his Ministers and top brass of various Departments here yesterday, the CM directed the Departments concerned to start preparations for the third wave from today itself.

Requirements like sufficient supply of oxygen, Remdesivir injection, medicines and ICU beds must be kept ready well in advance instead of trying to manage at the last minute.

In the wake of acute shortage of oxygen in all districts, more so in Bengaluru City, Yediyurappa asked officers to set up oxygen manufacturing units in all Government Hospitals and Medical Colleges across the State. This will avoid scramble for life saving oxygen during eleventh hour, he said.

“Every Minister must discharge his given duty in Covid management without any shortfall,” he said. He stressed on strict implementation of total lockdown mainly to prevent unnecessary movement of people to break the chain.

 To avoid crowding of people in markets, four hours shopping time has been given within which they must return home. 

The CM wanted to have a special attention on allotment of beds to Corona positive patients and to supply Remdesivir injection as per requirement.

The beds in Private Hospitals must be viewed seriously and any irregularities in the allotment of oxygen, Remdesivir injection or beds must be checked by taking stern action. The War Room must still work better, he added. Legislators and Ministers must stay in their Constituency to bring the contagion under control, the CM stated.