The 2nd round conversation of Odisha Civil Society Organisations in response to COVID-19 second wave was convened on 23rd May 2021.

The discussion was based on some key agenda points, like CSOs preparation for upcoming Cyclone YAAS, Response to Covid-19 Pandemic, and strengthening GO-NGO Coordination/Collaboration. The decisions taken were: 

Cyclone YAAS Preparedness

  • As cyclone YAAS would hit Odisha from 24th May, evacuations have been started in the districts of North Odisha. Thus, the GO-CSO coordination will ensure: i) promotion and adherence of Covid appropriate behaviour at cyclone centers; and ii) allotment of special care centers/ hospitals to the pregnant and lactating mothers.
  • Ramping up temperature checking in case of suspicious of Covid infection cases and followed by Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
  • Careful monitoring of discrimination against Dalits during evacuation and allowing them shelters.

Covid-19 Response   

  • Vaccination drive would cover awareness creation; assistance in registration; research and analysis of vaccination trend.
  • Setting up special action cells for vulnerable groups such as: HIV patients, physically handicapped, farmers, migrant workers, students, etc.
  • Mapping of work done by various CSOs using a tracker.
  • Recognition of CSOs work by Government and consideration of their field staff as frontline workers;
  • Creation of distress fund as well as financial support to people who lost livelihoods due to severe infection or their families who lost lives while continuing to serve the communities.

 Around 127 CSOs representatives participated in the conversation.