The State has reported 69 new corona positive cases. However Khurda district continues to be the State’s Covid hotspot with the district alone registering 26 out of 69 total cases on Monday.
Besides, the number of total active cases in Odisha is 456 out of which Khurda alone has reported 223 active cases.
With corona raising its ugly head across the State, State Health Services Director Bijay Mohapatra on Monday issued fresh guidelines as part of measures to contain the disease from spreading the disease. He has advised devotees not to visit Lord Jagannath shrine to be part of Rath Yatra to avoid spreading of corona infections. Instead, devotees can enjoy Rath Yatra on television by watching live telecast.
Mohapatra said “Though corona cases have reached double digits over past few weeks, there may be a chance of rise in the number of Covid patients during Rath Yatra. We would advise people not to rush Puri in large numbers. They can contain the disease from spreading by watching Rath Yatra telecast live on television. That apart, devotees who would visit Puri must wear masks. As precautionary measures, we are advising people with Covid symptoms to go for immediate testing. Besides, people must maintain social distance. People should spontaneously come forward to do the testing.”
Meanwhile, the health department has started carrying out surveillance and testing. The Directorate of Public Health has also alerted all local administrative authorities, including municipal commissioners, Collectors and CDMOs to enhance precautionary measures.