AMARAVATI: Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday asked officials to strengthen the health care systems in the State to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the State. He also said that the overall situation, consequent to the spread of COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh, was now under control and normalcy would return in the coming days.

The Chief Minister conducted a high-level review meeting on coronavirus and also a video conference with District Collectors and doctors of 13 COVID-19 hospitals in the state and discussed the plan of action in case the ongoing lockdown is lifted, a CMO release said.

Officials informed the Chief Minister they were adopting a strategy of conducting tests on coronavirus- afflicted persons and their primary contacts and providing necessary treatment to contain the disease.

As part of the preparatory exercise, five additional hospitals were being identified in every district for COVID-19 prevention. A critical care hospital has also been readied in each of the 13 districts, they said. "All this will help us in meeting any future situation arising out of coronavirus," they added.

Tracing all those persons who attended the event in Delhi, their primary and secondary contacts has been completed and they are kept either in isolation or quarantine," the Chief Minsiter said.

"Overall, the situation in the state is now under control and, I believe, in the coming days normalcy will return," YS Jagan said.

"Despite an unknown fear, you are all extending your services in all COVID-19 hospitals and critical care hospitals. Your services are commendable. I salute the doctors, nurses, paramedical and sanitation staff for this and thank them," he said.

He asked the officials to pay the ex-gratia amount to those who have died in the boat accident and those who were struck by thunder. Minister Mopidevi Venkataramana ,Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney, DGP Gautam Sawang, Health Department Special Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy and other officials were among those present in the review meeting.

Also Read: COVID-19: 25 New Positive Cases Reported, 6 Red Zones Identified In Vijayawada