The Karnataka government recently made masks mandatory in view of a spurt in Covid-19 cases and a growing scare of subvariant JN.1 cases in Kerala. However, the situation is under control in Odisha as no new Covid-19 case has been reported in the state in the last one week, informed Public Health Director, Niranjan Mishra on Wednesday.
As per Mishra, the active case tally in Odisha currently stands at 0 (zero). “We are keeping a close surveillance as per recent advisory of the Centre. The Centre today convened a meeting and the state will make necessary arrangements as per Centre’s directive,” Mishra said.
Meanwhile, the Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya today virtually chaired a high-level meeting with health ministers of all states to access the current status and preparedness on COVID 19. He urged all States and UTs to ensure preventive measures are taken in view of the cold conditions and the coming festival season.
At the review meeting, Mandviya assured States of Centre’s support in dealing with any situation. “It is time to work together in a Whole of Government approach, through closely working with each other. We need to be on the alert, but there is no need to panic,” said Mandviya.
Madviya further asked States to conduct mock drills in all hospitals once every three months. “It is important to be prepared with mock drills of hospital preparedness, increased surveillance and effective communication with people,” he said.