Covid-19 infections may increase in Odisha in next 3 to 4 weeks: Top health official

Even as the current Covid-19 graph is on a declining trend in Odisha, people should not be complacent as there is every possibility of a surge in the infection in the coming weeks, said a top health official.

Usually, Covid-19 cases start seeing an upward trend in Odisha within 3 to 4 weeks of the rise in the number of cases in Delhi, said Bijay Mohapatra, the State Health Services Director on Thursday.

India today witnessed another Covid-19 spike with 3,303 new infections and 39 fatalities. With this, the active caseload in the country has spiked to 16,980 while the total infection count reached 4,30,68,799.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Chief Ministers of States to review the Covid-19 situation in the country. "Despite managing the COVID crisis well, as compared to other countries, we can see cases' uptick in states now. We have to stay alert. It's clear that the COVID challenge has yet not been surpassed, said Modi.

“PM Modi has urged States, which are witnessing a spike in Covid cases, to remain alert and should not be complacent in taking appropriate guard. In Odisha, cases are hovering between 10 and 20 now, and there is no hospitalisation or fatalities so far,” said Mohapatra.

At present, Odisha is placed in a much better position. Despite this, the Chief Minister has directed to take all measures that were in place in the past in the battle against the virus.

“Surveillance and testing are being conducted as per ICMR guidelines. The health officials will take a call on whether Covid positive cases will be allowed for home isolation or they shall be admitted to hospitals,” said Mohapatra.

Mohapatra further said that the State government is alert and taking all possible measures to tackle the situation. Covid hospitals will be set up if cases rise in the state, he added.