Bhubaneswar: The third wave of COVID-19, which is expected to arrive in Odisha in the month of October, will have less impact in the state, informed Health Director Bijay Mohapatra today.

Though the rate of infection has slightly increased in few states, it is not that much concerning. And the situation in Odisha is better as compared to other states, the official said while briefing mediapersons here today.

He further informed that the recently-concluded sero-survey report is satisfactory. It shows people of all groups have developed antibodies against COVID-19. The sero-prevalence in healthcare workers was 93 per cent while the same was 73 per cent for general population. Antibodies among vaccinated people is also satisfactory which proves that the immunisation drive has worked well in the state. There is not much difference between Covaxin and Covishield vaccines, Mohapatra added.

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Besides, people in rural areas have also developed antibodies and the transmission rate is under control now, he said.

"Unlike the earlier assumptions, the COVID third wave is not expected to have much impact in the state. But we should not be careless. As festive season is ahead, we should strictly follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour," the senior health official cautioned.