Covid fourth wave: 5 Odisha districts in 'red zone'

For the first time on Friday, Odisha recorded this season’s highest or over 1,000 daily positive cases. The State has been witnessing a steep rise in the daily Covid-19 cases for the last few days.

On July 5, the State had registered 334 fresh daily Covid cases. Today, it recorded 1,043 new cases, registering a significant jump. 

Of the total fresh cases, Khordha recorded the highest 335 cases, followed by Cuttack (205) and Sundargarh (106). An 82-year-old man from Sundargarh district lost his battle to Covid-19. With this, the Covid death cases in the fourth wave have increased to two, taking the total toll to 9,128. 

At the same time, while Khurda and Cuttack districts are already in red zone, three more districts - Boudh, Sonepur and Sundargarh, have been added, taking the total number of districts in red zone to five. 

“Along with the positive cases, test positivity rate is also increasing in the State. Yet, Covid related hospitalization is not so severe. If required, the government is ready to increase the infrastructure. Similarly, the decision to close educational institutions will be taken after considering the situation,” said Odisha Health Services Director, Bijay Mohapatra. 

While Khurda district recorded the highest number of fresh cases today, maximum cases were reported from Bhubaneswar, which is a part of the district. 

Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has pulled up its shocks to check the infection. “The vaccination has been intensified and emphasis has been laid on doubling the testing rate,” said BMC Commissioner, Vijay Amruta Kulange, adding that he has also directed malls and business establishments not to allow customers with no masks on face. 

At the same time, free administration of precaution dose to people aged between 18 and 59 started today. For smooth vaccination, as many as 2,320 centres have been set up across the State. 

“We have 13 lakh doses in store. The centre would be requested to provide more doses. Since this campaign lasts for 75 days, problem may arise to cover the entire population coming under the specific age group. In order to avoid such problem, besides increasing the number of centres to 3,000, special camps would be set up in schools and colleges,” said Family Welfare Director, Bijay Kumar Panigrahi.