Bhubaneswar: While speculation continues over another lockdown following detection of Omicron cases in the state, Director of Odisha Public Health Niranjan Mishra today clarified that there is no need to impose restrictions like night curfew or lockdown as of now.

However, restrictions might be put in place if the transmission rate increases in coming days and the positivity rate touches 10 per cent, he added.

Briefing mediapersons, the senior health official said, "the situation here is better than other states. While the number of Omicron cases is rising in the country, 18 foreign returnees have tested positive for COVID-19 recently. Of them, eight persons, including a 9-year-old Nigeria returnee in Ganjam, have been found infected with Omicron variant."

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However, the situation is under control now, he added.

Meanwhile, the state Government has started preparations for administering COVID-19 vaccine to children in the age group of 15-18 years, set to begin in the country from January 3. District-wise details of children in the said age group have been sought for the purpose, official sources said.

On December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced vaccination of children belonging to the said age group and booster dose for healthcare and frontline workers. He also said that vaccination for the children aged between 15 and 18 years will start from January 3. They can register themselves for the immunization on CoWIN from January 1 using their school ID cards.

He also announced that option of precaution dose will be available for senior citizens aged above 60 years with co-morbidities on the advice of their doctors from January 10, 2022.