Bhubaneswar: In what can be described as a gradual resurgence of Covid-19 in Odisha, the state recorded 17 new active cases in the last 24 hours, just a week after reporting double-digit cases for two consecutive days. With the detection of 17 new Covid-19 cases, the total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 73.
Odisha Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra on Friday said that the new Covid-19 cases were detected after 5,647 samples were tested in laboratories during the last 24 hours. At the same time, he assured the people that there was no reason to panic as the spike in Covid-19 cases was due to an increase in testing.
Despite the detection of 17 new Covid-19 cases was the highest during the last 134 days in the state, there is no evidence of any rise in hospitalisation and mortality, he added.
“We tested 5,647 samples on Thursday and there is nothing to panic about. Covid-19 cases are not only rising in Odisha but across India, especially in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan and many others. The situation in Odisha is under control,” Mishra assured.
The Health Department has directed all the districts to spread awareness about communicable diseases and increase tracing, testing and treatment of Covid-19 patients. Everyone who has symptoms of influenza or cold, cough and fever should immediately go for testing, he said.
Mishra urged people to follow the Covid-19 protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, washing hands, and refraining from spitting anywhere.
Meanwhile, the Union Health Secretary has convened a meeting of all the Health Directors from the states in New Delhi on Monday to review the Covid-19 situation in the country.
