Covid surge: Capacity of hospitals in Odisha Capital to be augmented

Bhubaneswar: As there has been upsurge in coronavirus positive cases, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) today declared the number of beds at Covid hospitals in the city will be increased by another 3,000.

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary said steps are being taken to augment the capacity at Covid hospitals by 3,000 beds more in next 10 days.

Of the present capacity of around 3,000 beds at the Covid hospitals, 50% beds are occupied.

Chaudhary further said more than 85% of the Covid positive cases are in home isolation and the BMC is providing essential drugs to them.

He observed people at some areas in the city especially in markets have not been adhering to the Covid protocols even though the Covid positive cases on the rising trend.

“If such violation continues, the BMC will take strict actions. Already steps have been taken for sealing of shops and declaration of containment zones in different parts of the city. We are preparing for the worst case scenario,” he added.

It would be difficult for the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to prevent the spread of coronavirus, unless people adhere to the guidelines, he said.

The BMC Commissioner, however, said the Covid situation in the city is presently under control.

Bhubaneswar on Tuesday reported 773 Covid positive cases. So far the city recorded a total of 41,401 positive cases.