IT has come as a big relief, as the first batch of Covishield vaccine arrived in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday afternoon. Total of 3.23 lakh doses have arrived, out of which 2.67 lakh doses will be administered to front line workers in first phase. Health Minister T S Singhdeo tweeted, “With immense satisfaction, I would like to inform you that today Chhattisgarh received the first batch of Covid Vaccine. This is a big step in our pursuit to eradicate Covid from State. We have received 32,300 vials of 10 doses to cover 3,23,000 health workers in first phase. All preparations have been made to build a robust process ensuring safe and timely vaccination. Our healthcare workers are putting in a lot of effort for safety of Chhattisgarh for which we are ever grateful.” As per the information, Health Department has arranged insulated vaccine van to transport the vaccine from Airport to the Vaccine Storage Centres. These vaccines will be stored between +2 and +8 degree Celsius. Through insulated vans, these vaccines will be transported to different districts. One State-level, three regional and 27 district-level Cold Chain Points have been developed for storage of Covid vaccines. Officials informed that for safe storage of vaccine 630, active Cold Chain Points and over 85,000 litres storage capacity cold chain space is made available. 81 additional Cold Chain Points are also established. For transportation 1,311 cold boxes are available, 360 dry storages are also available for storage of syringe, needles and other equipment. Dr Amar Singh Thakur, State Immunisation Officer informed that 1,349 booths have been identified for first phase of vaccination. Total of 2,67,399 health workers, State and Central Government employees, Armed Force Personnel will be vaccinated. All information are being posted in Covin portal.