Odisha Health Official Blames New COVID-19 Variant For Rising Cases In Nuapada

Bhubaneswar: Nuapada in Odisha has been witnessing a spike in COVID-19 cases since March 25 when 29 of a village, bordering Chhattishgarh, tested positive for the virus.

The district reported the highest of 86 cases in the state on Friday and another 71 on Saturday.

“The new Covid strain is contagious and spreads fast. Nuapada has been witnessing a surge in cases since it is situated close to Chhattisgarh, which has been reporting over 8000 cases for the past two days. The new strain virus is being analysed,” said Director Health and Family Welfare Bijay Panigrahi.

Also Read: Spectre Of Ch’garh COVID-19 Resurgence Looms Over Nuapada & Kalahandi In Odisha

He, however, ruled out any possibility of lockdown in the state to contain the spread of the virus.

“All district administrations have been asked to ready COVID hospitals and expand health infrastructure to mitigate the pandemic,” he added.

On the ongoing vaccination drive, he said the present stock will last for four more days. “The stated has requested the Centre for enough doses of vaccine for the next 15 days for uninterrupted inoculation drive,” he added.

Also Read: Vaccine Shortage Shadow On Immunisation Drive In Odisha; No Stock For 4 Days

Also Read: Odisha To Get 5.5 Lakh Doses This Month, Says Union Minister

Till now, 28, 66, 255 persons have taken vaccine in Odisha. A record 2.5 lakh people were inoculated on Friday.

Also Read:  Over 2.5 lakh Take COVID Vaccine Jabs In Odisha; Target Exceeded

While around 1.2 crore people in Odisha are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, the state has so far received 25 lakh doses.

The state had received 3.7 lakh doses on March 22.