PC: PIXABAY

Bhubaneswar: The COVID-19 tally in Odisha touched 45 on Saturday with seven more people testing positive for the virus in the last 24 hours.

According to official sources, 12 among those infected have recovered so far. Health officials are closely monitoring the condition of the 33 active cases.

In Cuttack district, 22 people have tested positive for COVID. Five among them have been admitted to hospitals while the remaining are in home isolation, informed Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Prashant Kumar Hota, while asserting that the situation is not alarming.

He, however, advised pregnant women, elderly and those with comorbidities to exercise caution. “Though there is no reason to panic, people should avoid crowded places. Wearing masks is essential, and those with symptoms should consult a doctor immediately,” he added.

Odisha has conducted a mock drill to test oxygen supply systems along with facility-level preparedness at the hospitals.

This followed a directive from the Centre to the state government to ramp up measures, ensuring adequate availability of medical infrastructure such as oxygen support systems, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medications, and control the spread of the virus.

All cases of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) coming to hospital and at least five per cent of influenza like illness (ILI) cases are to be tested for COVID as per the revised guideline. “All positive SARI samples will be sent for whole genome sequencing through the ICMR virus research and diagnostic laboratory network. Individuals with acute respiratory illness should self-monitor and seek medical care if symptoms worsen,” the guideline added.

With the upcoming Rath Yatra expected to draw large crowds, the Health department has directed districts to remain prepared with testing kits and necessary supplies to curb any surge in COVID cases and safeguard public health.

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