Bhubaneswar: State Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra on Tuesday reassured the public that there is no cause for panic in Odisha regarding the rise in Covid-19 cases, even as India reports over 1,000 active cases.
“The hospitalization rate remains low and the current symptoms are mostly limited to mild cough and cold,” Dr. Mishra said while speaking to reporters. He further informed that two new Covid-19 variants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—have been detected.
A meeting chaired by the Union Health Secretary is scheduled for tomorrow at 12 noon to review the situation in detail. Odisha has confirmed one case of the new variant, with the patient currently in stable condition.
“We are closely monitoring the data and are fully prepared to take necessary actions,” added Dr. Mishra. The state health department is maintaining round-the-clock vigilance and coordinating closely with the central government, World Health Organization (WHO), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Dr. Mishra urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic, assuring that the authorities are well-equipped to handle the evolving situation.
