Bhubaneswar: Following the confirmation of the first COVID-19 case in the state capital, the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has urged residents to remain calm and the patient is in stable condition.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department Aswathy S., addressed the media on Thursday, reassuring the public that there is no immediate cause for concern.
“Currently, we have no formal advisory in place, but we are closely monitoring the situation. The available data suggests that the prevailing strain is mild, with low severity. There is no reason for alarm. The state health machinery is fully in control,” she said.
Reiterating her message, Aswathy emphasized, “There is no need to panic.” She further clarified that no official advisory has been issued by the Centre so far.
“We are maintaining strict surveillance. Once guidelines are issued by the Government of India, we will implement them accordingly. The patient who tested positive is recovering well. The new variant does not appear to pose increased health risks,” she added.
Highlighting the importance of vigilance in public health management, the Commissioner noted that the current situation does not warrant drastic measures.
“Sporadic and isolated cases of COVID-19 have continued to be detected in various parts of the country since the decline of the pandemic’s peak in 2020–21. Since then, the disease has been well controlled and contained in Odisha. The rollout of free vaccines, mass vaccination campaigns, and sustained government efforts have significantly reduced the spread and burden of the disease in the state,” she said.
According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), these sporadic cases involve mild forms of known, pre-existing strains. They do not pose any serious health threat. Neither the NCDC nor the WHO has issued any new or additional advisories regarding these sporadic cases. The health department remains fully prepared to address any cases as and when they are detected.
She also confirmed that health authorities would ramp up efforts only if further cases emerge or new directives are issued.
“As of now, only one case has been reported. We will increase our response measures if and when it becomes necessary. At this time, no such advisories have been received,” she concluded.
