COVID-19 Resurgence: Likely Rerun Of Night Curfew; Odisha To Conduct 10150 RT-PCR Tests/Day

Bhubaneswar: Following a spike in COVID-19 cases, the Odisha government is mulling to re-impose ‘night curfew’, reduce the ceiling of large congregations and intensify patrolling.

The restrictions were relaxed after the state witnessed a downward trend in infections. 

Cases, however, crossed 100 after 38 days with 110 people testing positive for the virus on Friday. Among them were two devotees from Maharastra and two foreign returnees.

Cuttack city also saw 42 students of educational institutions testing positive for the virus in the last three days.

According to sources, restrictions on large congregations like marriage and public meetings are likely to be back with a ceiling of 200 people. COVID-19 guidelines will be strictly re-imposed in all educational institutions once again.

The movement and entry of devotees to major shrines may also be regulated.

As a precautionary measure, the restrictions are back in government offices.

Also Read: COVID-19 Resurgence: Odisha Govt Brings Back Restrictions For Its Offices

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting on Friday decided to conduct 10.150 RT-PCR and 16,450 rapid antigen tests a day. While the highest 900 RT-PCR tests will be conducted in Khurda, including 600 in Bhubaneswar, 700 such tests each will be carried out in Cuttack and Ganjam.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) PK Mohapatra said six senior health officials have been given charge of the districts and asked to ensure that the targeted testing is done without fail.