The Director of Health Services, Dr Bijay Mohapatra, on Friday said while Odisha recorded over 10,000 single-day infection during the second wave peak, figures may cross the mark in the event of a third round surge of Covid-19 pandemic in the State.
However, Mohapatra said the government is ready to face any unforeseen situation.
“The State Government is monitoring the situation on a day-top-day basis. The State witnessed over 10,000 daily cases during the second wave. Experts are predicting that the cases would go over and above that mark during the third wave. However, we are ready to face the emergency,” assured Mohapatra.
Also Read
Lauding the State Government’s move in issuing guidelines for the celebrations of Durga Puja and other Pujas in mandaps/pandals during the festive seasons in August, September, October and November, Mohapatra said the curbs were brought in the right time.
The State Health Services Director further stated that surveillance and contact tracing are being carried out to prevent the outbreak of a third round surge.
“The health department will continue surveillance as it was conducted during the first and second waves of Covid-19 pandemic. We are focussing on the availability of vaccines, treatment facility and carrying out surveillance and contact tracing of positive people dedicatedly. In case the third wave hits the State, the government is ready to face the situation,” stated Mohapatra.
“The Central government has stated that festivals should be celebrated in accordance with Covid appropriate behaviour. The State government will abide to those guidelines,” added the Health Services chief.
On the other hand, the Commissioner Of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Sanjay Kumar Singh, also said that the civic body is prepared to face any exigencies in case the third wave hits the State.
“The government has been taking appropriate measures to prevent the outbreak of the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic and, as per the State Government’s direction, BMC is also prepared to face any situation. As per the orders, most of the targeted population in Bhubaneswar has been vaccinated and those left out will be inoculated as soon as possible. However, since children have not been vaccinated as yet the positivity rate in the population belonging to 0-18 years category is increasing,” Singh informed.