Khordha back in Red Zone as COVID cases rise

Bhubaneswar: As predicted by health experts, Odisha has been witnessing an upward trend in daily COVID cases with the onset of festive season. With 323 fresh cases detected in last 24 hours, Khordha district came under  Red Zone after a long time today.

As per the data available on the State Dashboard, Khordha district, with 2,535 active cases, contributes to nearly 50 % of the state’s total active cases (5203). Two days ago, Director of Health Services Bijay Mohapatra had informed that 40 per cent of  the daily infections detected in the State belong to Bhubaneswar alone.

Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) Chief Dr CBK Mohanty today said, “An increase in floating population of Cuttack and Khordha during the ongoing festive season has led to a rise in infection rate in both the districts . The overall infection rate in the state is fluctuating between 400 and 600, which is definitely a cause of concern.”

The senior health official further said, “We declare Red Zone taking into account the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) and number of active cases. People should always remain cautious and follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour to keep the virus at bay.”

The Director of Health Services today said number of cases is rising in Bhubaneswar as people are not following the COVID-19 safety norms and crowding public places despite repeated warnings.

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He further said state Government is fully ready to begin vaccination of children aged between 2 and 18 years.

“We have infrastructure and manpower ready for immunization of children in 2-18 age group. The Centre has not issued guidelines yet. We will begin inoculation of the children once the vaccines arrive,” he added.