Bhubaneswar: Following the COVID-appropriate behaviour is essential to fight the third wave in Odisha, Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra said on Wednesday.
“The infection rate is rising rapidly and daily cases are hovering around 10,000-11,000 for the past one week. We cannot let our guard down. If we are not careful, cases will rise further,” he said, adding that the next few days are crucial for Odisha in terms of COVID management.
He said that hospitalisation and ICU requirement is currently low compared to previous waves. “2 per cent active cases have so far been hospitalised against 10 per cent during the 2nd wave. 90 per cent hospital beds in the state are now vacant,” he said.
The Chief Secretary further said that the state has been able to tackle the spread of the pandemic so far due to everyone’s cooperation.
He said that containment measures will not affect people’s livelihoods. “COVID-19 restrictions in this 3rd wave have been devised to protect livelihoods. Hence, there has been no general lockdown or shutdown,” he said.
Mahapatra advised people to use masks when stepping outside the house and while talking to others. He also stressed taking care of the vulnerable group, including the elderly, pregnant women and small children, to ensure that they are not infected.
“Immediately undergo COVID test if there are any symptoms,” he said, adding that medicines are being provided for free and these need to be taken on the advice of doctors.
The Chief Secretary concluded his media briefing by urging people not to panic and strictly follow the COVID guidelines.
Notably, the test positivity rate in Odisha inched closer to 17 per cent with 11,607 fresh cases being detected in the last 24 hours, ending at 9 this morning.
