COVID infection in Odisha will further drop in a week: Top official

Bhubaneswar:  As a declining trend has begun in Odisha,  the rate of COVID-19 infection will further drop in a week or 10 days, informed Director of Health Services Bijay Mohapatra here today.

“The number of daily positive cases is decreasing. The current downward trend suggests that the infection will further decline within a week or 10 days. And, since around 60 % of the patients were critical and being treated in ICUs, the number of casualties has increased,” said the official.

The official further said priority is now being  given on people belonging to 18-44 age group due for the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Besides, vaccination drive has already begun in remaining 22 district headquarters in the state.

“The plan of action depends on the supply of COVID-19 vaccines to the state. We prescribe medicines against the virus as per the recommendations of National Task Force. If stress is being given on oxygen, paracetamol and steroids, we will also  follow the same after necessary analysis,” he added.

Earlier yesterday, the top health official said decline in the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) and number of daily cases shows that Odisha is witnessing a downward trend in transmission of the virus.

“From 24% three weeks ago to less than 10 % is a good indicator. If the trend continues to be like this, the state Government may lift the lockdown in a phased manner. Hopefully , we will be in a comfortable position by the end of this month,” said Mohapatra.