17 new Covid positives detected in Odisha in 24hrs, no need to panic says top official
There seems to be a rise in the number of Covid positives in Odisha in the past 24 hours, a total of 17 new Covid-19 positive cases were detected in Odisha, said reliable reports on Friday.
Following the detection of 17 new Covid positive cases, the total Covid-19-positive tally in the state now stands at 73, informed Odisha Public Health Director, Niranjan Mishra today.
However, the state government sought to reassure the people that there is no reason to panic saying that the spike in Covid-19 cases was reported due to increase in testing.
Odisha Public Health Director, Niranjan Mishra said, “Not only Odisha but there is also a rise in Covid-19 cases across India. Especially states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan, and many others have reported a spike in covid-19 cases.”
“We have directed all the districts to increase Covid-19 tests and spread awareness. People, who show symptoms of influenza or cold, cough and fever, should immediately get themselves tested.”“We tested 5,647 samples yesterday and there is nothing to panic about. Compared to other states in the country, the overall situation in Odisha is good. We are also doing more tests. Districts are trying to increase the number of tests, but the situation is under control now.”“There is no cluster outbreak now. Things will be out of control if there is a cluster outbreak in some village or someplace in Odisha. Moreover, 17 of those who tested positive are doing fine while only one of them is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital,” he added.
It may be noted that Odisha reported Covid-19 cases in double digits on March 16 and 17 for the first time after a gap of around four months. For the two consecutive day, the state had reported 11 new cases each.
The state government has been creating awareness among people with cold and cough and symptoms of flu to undergo Covid-19 test following rise in H3N2 influenza cases in some parts of the country including Odisha.
Following the advice of the state government, many people with cough and cold are now going for Covid-19 testing. As a result, the new cases are being detected, they said.
As a precautionary measure against H3N2, the state government has advised people to follow respiratory hygiene and stay in isolation in case of symptoms of cold and cough.
Urging elderly and comorbid people to continue maintaining COVID-appropriate behaviour and wear masks in crowded places, the officials said though the pandemic is still not over, there is no need to panic.
