, she said.

"The Health Department has been asked to monitor the situation and we are alert," she stated.

As per available information, sporadic COVID-19 cases are being detected in various parts of India and the patients are found infected with a mild strain, with the possibility of severity being very low, the health secretary said.

"We have nothing to worry. We are monitoring the situation and are waiting for a fresh advisory from the Centre or the NCDC. Once we get it, we will take necessary steps accordingly," Aswathy said.

She said no advisory has been issued for the public so far. "The situation is completely under control and there is no need to worry," she claimed. According to sources, the COVID-infected patient is undergoing treatment at a private hospital here.

As per the COVID dashboard of the Odisha government, 26 cases were detected in the state on November 8, 2022.