Odisha saw a sharp decline in single-day Covid-19 cases on Friday with 6,736 cases in the last 24 hours.
Reason, the decline in testing in ten districts of the State in view of the Very Severe cyclonic storm 'Yaas' that made landfall yesterday morning, said the Health Services Director Bijay Mohapatra.
It may be noted that many district administrations had suspended all work related to Covid, including testing, vaccination and door-to-door surveys since the last two-three days in view of the approaching cyclone.
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Mohapatra however, claimed that although the Covid-19 testing has decreased in the State in view of cyclone since the last two-three days, the usual test positivity rate (TPR) has declined from over 20 per cent to 14 per cent.
“After the cyclone situation improves, medical teams will carry out door-to-door survey and testing and vaccination drive will resume as usual after people return to their homes from cyclone shelters,” added Mohapatra.
The top health official further stated that no damage to Covid-19 infrastructure has been reported from the cyclone-affected regions in the State.
Mohapatra also admitted to a rise in fatalities due to Covid-19. He said, “Odisha had 79-80 per cent patients infected with Covid-19 in ICUs and 50 per cent in ventilators till yesterday. As the number of critical cases are high, deaths are also increasing,” Mohapatra added.
On plans for extending the lockdown in Odisha, the State Health Services Director said, “The effect of lockdown will not be visible immediately. It needs four to six week time to show results."
"The State government is in consultation with experts from other States and governments. The State will take decision in this regard soon,” Mohapatra stated.