Bhubaneswar: With Covid-19 cases rising in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and two suspected deaths reported from Kadapa, the Odisha government has stepped up surveillance in border districts as a precautionary measure.
Public Health Director Dr. Rabindranath Mishra said the state continues to monitor the situation closely through regular testing in all healthcare facilities. He added that no positive case has been reported in Odisha till now and urged people not to panic.
“Covid monitoring is ongoing across Odisha and tests are being conducted on a regular basis. So far, all reports have been negative. People need not panic, though we are keeping a close watch” said Mishra.
Citing the developments in Andhra Pradesh, the Health Department has, meanwhile, directed Chief District Medical Officers of all districts bordering the neighbouring state to intensify screening at entry points and ensure that every suspected Covid-19 case is tested at district headquarters hospitals.
The directive comes ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, which is expected to bring lakhs of devotees to Odisha from across the country. The department has instructed that anyone showing Covid-like symptoms during the festival will be tested and managed as per the standard Covid-19 protocols.
According to reports, Andhra Pradesh has recorded several fresh Covid-19 infections in recent days. Apart from the two suspected Covid-related deaths in Kadapa, the state has deployed rapid response teams, ramped up surveillance, and asked hospitals to keep isolation wards ready.
