Decline In Odisha COVID Graph May Lead To Unlock Measures Soon

Bhubaneswar: With the continuous decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and test positivity rate (TPR), the Odisha government may consider starting the unlock process, Director, Health Services Bijay Mohapatra said on Saturday.

“The TPR in the state, which was 10.51 per cent on Saturday, is expected to drop further by next week. If this trend continues, lockdown restrictions can be relaxed in a phased manner,” he said.

The state is under lockdown till June 17. While the restrictions were first imposed on May 5 with the state witnessing a surge in cases, the government on May 30 further extended it by 16 days to break the COVID infection chain.

In the last 14 days, the TRP has dropped to 10.64 per cent from 21.15 per cent on May 22. The state has also witnessed a 42.46 per cent drop in daily cases during this period despite an increase in testing.

Referring to the e-tender floated by the Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd (OSMCL) for procurement of COVID vaccines, Mohapatra said that the verification of the documents of the two bidding companies is underway.

Stating that the companies usually apply for the bidding through the agencies, he said it has to first get the technical clearance.