4th COVID Wave Likely, Odisha Govt Advises People To Remain Prepared To Fight It

Bhubaneswar: With COVID-19 cases rising in many countries, the Odisha government on Wednesday advised the people to remain prepared to combat a possible fourth wave.

A fourth wave cannot be ruled out completely as COVID-19 cases are witnessing a surge elsewhere, Health Director Dr Bijay Mohapatra told reporters in Bhubaneswar.

The Health Director’s statement came a day after Special Secretary, Health Department, Ajit Kumar Mohanty advised the people to remain prepared for the fourth wave of COVID-19 which is likely to hit the country in March considering its spread in some countries.

“It’s a pandemic. While cases are rising elsewhere, we are in better position now. However, no one can rule out a rise in the number of cases,” Dr Mohapatra said.

He said one should always remain prepared to fight it out as per the advice and instructions of the technical advisory group.

The Health Director amid a surge in COVID cases abroad and a marginal rise in cases in India, surveillance is being carried out as per the instructions of Central government with modifications as per local requirements under the direction of the state government.

During surveillance, positivity rate has been found to be very low but a close vigil is being maintained.

A few beds have been earmarked in hospitals for the purpose and that can be increased if the requirement so arises, he said, adding that arrangements have been made for testing of samples.

The Special Secretary had on Tuesday said that as per several models, the fourth COVID wave is likely to affect India in second or third week of March. But he expressed optimism that there was no reason to panic considering the high vaccination status in the state.