Odisha Govt Official Allays ‘Unnecessary’ Fear About COVID 3rd Wave

Bhubaneswar: The COVID situation in Odisha is under control and it is impossible to predict the timing and impact of a possible third wave, Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET) in Odisha, CBK Mohanty said on Monday.

“The severity and effect of the third wave are just speculations,” he said.

Reports have indicated a resurgence in cases in the next 6 to 8 weeks.

“While the daily caseload is hovering between 1600 and 2000 in the state, there is no significant fall in the positivity in the last couple of days. A similar situation was witnessed in countries like Spain and Italy, where cases remained in a plateau state for a couple of months,” he added.

On further unlock measures, the DMET said that a decision will be taken after factoring in test positivity rate, severity rate in the patients and COVID appropriate behaviour in the particular region.

The state has been confirming over 60 COVID deaths every day following an audit of the previous casualties. “The World Health Organisation (WHO) has categorically stated that treatment should the top priority and the number of deaths can be counted at the end of the pandemic,” Mohanty said.