COVID Infections Likely To Rise In Next 3-4 Weeks, Hospitals Kept Ready: Odisha Health Director

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has kept its health infrastructure ready to tackle any rise in COVID infections in the state, said Health Director Bijay Mohapatra on Thursday.

With the next three to four weeks crucial as the COVID infections are likely to rise in the state, the government has taken all measures and no one should panic, Dr Mohapatra said.

He said hospitals have been asked to keep COVID wards ready to admit patients in case corona positive cases escalate. On the other hand, the districts too have been directed to keep a closer look on the situation, he said and added the cases in the state are now hovering between 10 and 20.

While there are less chances of fourth wave, it could be in cluster form as in the third wave. Exodus of Odisha people from the infected states led to the spike in the cases in the state during the third wave. Keeping this in mind, the government has asked district authorities to keep a close watch on those coming from other states to check the COVID spread.

The Health department’s move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the country during a virtual meeting with chief ministers on Wednesday.

COVID cases have been rising in the country over the past fortnight, with 2,927 fresh infections being reported on Wednesday — 17% more than the previous 24 hours.

Modi had urged authorities to remain alert and said the pandemic was not over. He also requested everyone to follow COVID appropriate behaviour to stay safe.

Also Read: 5-12 Age Group: After PM Meet, Odisha Gears Up For Over 3,000 Vaccination Centres; Check Latest Cases