COVID-19 Situation In Odisha Not Alarming: Public Health Director

Bhubaneswar: Despite a steady rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Odisha, the state government has claimed that the situation is not alarming.

“Going by the number of fresh COVID-19 cases in the neighbouring states, the situation in Odisha is not alarming,” Director, Public Health, Niranjan Mishra told mediapersons on Tuesday.

Referring to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Odisha, he said to contain further spread of the virus, testing and contact tracing should be increased and expedited. “At present, target testing is underway in the state and the number will be increased very soon,” he added.

He also said as a large number of people are now arriving in Odisha from neighbouring states, the state government, as a precautionary measure, has made it mandatory for them to carry the RT-PCR negative report during travel.

About the treatment of COVID patients, Mishra said district collectors have been asked to identify private hospitals and take necessary steps to keep them in readiness. “The state has adequate stock of medicines and equipment for the treatment of patients,” he pointed out.

To a question on whether the state government is considering imposition of night and day curfew, he said priority is on awareness among people to stay alert against the virus.

However, district collectors and Municipal authorities have been asked to strictly monitor the situation and take the decision accordingly if it aggravates further, he added.