Effort Underway To Break Covid Transmission Chain In Odisha: Top Health Official

While Odisha is witnessing a steep rise in the number of new Covid-19 cases, a top health official of the State government on Wednesday said efforts are being made to break the transmission chain in the community.
 
“Emphasis is being given to testing, tracking and vaccination. Around 60,000-70,000 tests are being conducted every day and the vaccination drive of under 15-18 years of age group is going on in full swing in the State,” said State Health Director Bijay Mohapatra.

The top health official urged the people of the State to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 protocols to keep the rate of infection in control.

“The positivity rate has gone over one per cent. People have a collective responsibility to strictly follow the pandemic guidelines to keep them and others safe from the infection,” said Mohapatra.

He also stated that as per the direction of the Chief Minister the health department is fully prepared to meet any kind of eventualities arising out of the pandemic situation.

“The rate of infection is increasing in the neighbouring states. Odisha is likely to witness the surge in number of cases sooner or later as this particular variant (Omicron) of the virus is more infectious. So people have to be more cautious,” said Mohapatra.

“Highest level of medical emergency protocol is followed to deal with the spike. All kinds of infrastructural facilities including beds and critical care units are in place in the government and private hospitals,” he added.

Meanwhile, Odisha witnessed the highest single-day jump in Covid-19 cases in nearly five months today after 1,216 people tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours.

(Edited by Ramakant Biswas)