No Alarming Rise In COVID Cases Post-Dussehra In Odisha, Says Govt Official

Bhubaneswar: The spread of COVID-19 in effect of Dussehra celebration has not been upto expected level in the state though there are a few more days left to get a clear picture.

Stating this, Director, Health Services Bijay Mohapatra on Wednesday told the media that the third wave of the pandemic seems remote.

He said a spurt in COVID cases due to violation of safety guidelines during congregation of people to celebrate Durga Puja was expected within a few days. “Though no remarkable rise in the cases has been observed so far, we have to wait for 10 more days to get a clear picture,” said Mohapatra.

On the third wave of the pandemic, he quoted the country’s top virologists as saying it has a remote chance of affecting the nation. But people, particularly in Bhubaneswar, should not be complacent now. “People should remain careful and strictly adhere to the COVID guidelines,” he added.

Stating that around 500 COVID cases are registered in the state everyday, the director said it cannot be called an alarming number. Of the total count, over 200 cases are from Khurda district alone.