THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The COVID review meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister yesterday, decided to deploy volunteers similar to the lockdown period in the wake of the COVID outbreak. Two groups of volunteers will be formed on a ward basis. One group will deliver goods and services to homes in areas where restrictions are tightened, and the other will reach to attend to the needs of COVID patients. Each of the two categories will be assigned as a volunteer for 60 homes. Teachers will also be used for this.

A medical team will be set up for each local body. The group will include government doctors as well as private doctors.

Other decisions

• Oxygen beds will be provided in a maximum number of hospitals
• Maximum ventilators should be provided wherever needed
• Buildings under the Health Department will be utilized to the maximum
• Temporary employees will be hired on a wartime basis
• Senior officials will be appointed in the local bodies
• PHCs and telemedicine system will be strengthened
• Help desks will be set up for COVID activities and counseling
• Medical students will be used alongside doctors.