Changes In COVID Situation For Durga Puja Congregation In Odisha To Be Known In 10 Days

Bhubaneswar: The changes in COVID-19 situation due to gathering of people during Durga Puja festival in the state will be known within 10 days, said the Health and Family Welfare Department on Saturday.

“Going by the manner in which the people across the state had congregated in large number during Durga Puja festival, the COVID-19 positive cases are likely to go up. The effect of the virus will be known after a district-wise survey which will take 7-10 days,” Director, Health Services, Bijay Mohapatra told mediapersons here.

He said the Health Department will intensify active surveillance, if there is a sudden and sharp rise in the COVID positive cases in any area of the state.

“The ASHA workers in rural areas and civic body officials in urban areas have been asked to keep a close watch on the situation. They have been told to report to respective district administration in case of a rise in positivity rate so that steps can be taken to contain the spread of the virus,” Mohapatra added.