The Director of State Health Services, Bijay Mohapatra on Monday said that Odisha is still in the midst of second wave of Covid-19 and out of the daily infections detected in the State, 40 per cent cases are reported from Bhubaneswar.
"The second wave is yet to over... A few days ago, government of India even told that the second wave is still in prevalence in several parts of the country. However, one positive thing is that the cases aren't showing any upward trend here," said Mohapatra.
Stating that lives are important than festivals, the Health director said, "We have been continuously telling for the last three months that there is a need to avoid gatherings during the festive season. The virus will spread if there is overcrowding.
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He further said that the health department is taking all measures to contain the spread of the virus. "We once again appeal people not to go outside or travel if not necessary. To avoid crowding, night curfew restrictions will be tightened from today," he said.
The rate of infection in Bhubaneswar has always been a cause for concern. The Covid graph in the city is fluctuating and not decreasing. Therefore, people should strictly adhere to Covid appropriate behaviour in order to prevent the transmission of the virus, he added.
Odisha today reported 448 new Covid-19 positive cases, including 208 infections from Khordha district (of which Bhubaneswar is a part) alone.
Out of the total cases reported in the State on Monday, 59 infections were in the 0-18 years age group. As per the Health director, 0.5 per cent infected children are currently in ICUs.