Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik declares ‘state journalists’ as Frontline Covid Warriors; showers praise for their efforts amid pandemic

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik praised the journalists for their efforts and stated that they are doing a great service to the State for the coverage on issues related to Covid-19.

In a landmark move, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday declared journalists of the state as frontline Covid-19 warriors. Praising the journalists, he said that they are doing a great service to the State for the coverage on issues related to Covid-19 and they are of great support against India’s battle against the novel Coronavirus.

“Odisha CM declares working journalists of the state as Frontline Covid Warriors. He said working journalists are doing a great service to State by providing seamless news feed, making people aware on COVID-related issues & they’re great support for war against COVID”, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said as quoted by the news agency ANI.

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The recent development comes after the efforts of journalists were highlighted amid the pandemic. The demand for journalists to be declared as frontline Covid-19 warriors has continuously resurfaced.

In the midst of such alarming circumstances, journalists have been on the front lines, reporting on myriad local and national stories, exposing themselves to potential harm at hospitals, marches and political rallies. They have risked their lives to tender the details – eagerly sought by the anxious public, providing vital information to dispel fear and increase understanding.

Earlier today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took his Twitter to handle to share the pain and problems faced by Journalists during the COVID pandemic in India. He took to his official Twitter handle to express his concern for journalists as he wrote, “Look at the condition of those who show you 24 hours once!”.

Previously, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also raised their concerns for the Indian journalists – who have been working round-the-clock as frontline people amid the pandemic.

Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours, India reported 3,92,488 new COVID-19 cases and 3,07,865 patients got discharged, while 3689 people died of this deadly virus. Total active cases in India is now around 33.49 lakhs. The total death toll in India reached 2,15,542.