Growth Rate And Doubling Time Of Covid-19 Cases Falling In Odisha, Says Health Official

Even as the State continues to breach the 10K-mark in daily Covid cases since the last five days, the growth rate and doubling time of Covid-19 cases have come down slightly, said Director of Public Health,  Niranjan Mishra, on Monday.

“There are over 75,000 active cases in Odisha at present. Out of this, 1,200 patients are in hospitals. The hospitalisation rate is considerably low. This indicates that the situation is under control even though the positive cases are rising. However, we have to monitor the situation as it is predicted that cases may increase,” said Mishra.

Mishra further stated though there is a fall in the growth rate and doubling time of infection cases, the situation should be observed for at least a month. “It is not right to come to a conclusion on the trend noticed in one or two days,” he added.

Mishra informed Omicron detecting RT-PCR kit, Omisure, developed by Mumbai-based Tata Medical and Diagnostics Ltd (TATA MD) in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), will be distributed to all the district administrations soon.

Odisha is the first state in the country to order around 5 lakh Omicron test kits, Girish Krishnamurthy, CEO and managing director of Tata Medical and Diagnostics Ltd had stated earlier.

Besides, on the rising positive cases in Khordha and Sundargarh, Mishra said, “The test positivity rate (TPR) was high in the two districts during the first and second waves. This time too, the TPR is high in Khordha and Sundargarh.”

Mishra added, “People suffering from cold and cough should isolate themselves at home and if required undergo a test. Besides, they should take medicines on the advice of physicians and avoid consuming unnecessary steroids and drugs.”