Lockdown & Shutdown In Odisha: Know What The Director Of Health Services Says

The Director of Health Services, Bijay Mohapatra on Wednesday said that the present Covid-19 situation in the State doesn't warrant a lockdown or shutdown.

Speaking to the media, Mohapatra said, “We have not reached such a situation where there is a need for imposing lockdown or shutdown. The positivity rate is high in a few districts, it has not increased in all districts.”

"If we look into the Covid-19 fatality and severity figures, it seems we are in a better position. But, we should not be complacent and protect ourselves by strictly adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines," he said.

For the last few days, the Covid-19 curve in Odisha has been relatively flat. The R-value or the positivity rate is higher as there is higher transmission. There is no need to panic, said Mohapatra.

On Centre's direction to increase tests, he said the State will look into it and increase testings only after taking into account various other aspects. 

"Odisha government is not doing lesser tests, and it will continue. As the Centre has now issued some criteria, we will try to work accordingly and increase testing," he said.

People should go for Covid-19 test even they develop minor symptoms as it will help proper treatment and reduce transmission. "I urge people to get themselves tested even if they have minor symptoms," appealed the Health Services Director.

Odisha on Wednesday reported 11,607 new Covid-19 cases, taking the cumulative positive tally to 11,67,094. The death toll rose 8,494 as six more patients succumbed to the disease.

The State has so far tested 2,68,42,063 samples, including 69,502 in the last 24 hours.