School students with Covid symptoms should be tested & Isolated immediately: Top Odisha health official

In view of the rise in the number of Covd-19 cases in India, top health officials in Odisha have advised teachers and guardians of school going students to test and isolate the children immediately if they develop symptoms of cold and fever.

“As Covid-19 infection is on an upward surge in the country, the trend can’t be discarded in the State fully. So, everyone needs to be careful. The school authorities should test and isolate the students immediately if they have cold and fever-like symptoms,” said State Health Director Bijay Mohapatra.

With Odisha registering only 11 positive cases in the last 24 hours, Mohapatra said the situation in the State is currently under control.

“However, people shouldn’t be complacent and they must adhere to all Covid-19 guidelines strictly. Wearing masks and keeping away from the crowd are indispensable to keep the infection at bay,” he said.

The top health official further said the State government is fully ready to meet any kind of eventualities arising out of the imminent rise in infection.

“The State is fully alert. If required the health infrastructure will be augmented to meet any kind of challenge. There is no need to press the panic button as we have an abundance of medicines and Oxygen in stock,” he added.

Meanwhile, an expert panel of India’s central drug authority has recommended granting emergency use authorisation for Biological E’s Covid-19 vaccine Corbevax for children in the five to 12 years age group.

“It is a welcome step. However, it has only been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). Following recommendation of Government of India we will start the process for the vaccination of five to 12 years age group,” said State Family Welfare Director Bijay Panigrahi.