‘Monsoon will have no effect on COVID-19 spread in Odisha’

Bhubaneswar: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has spread across the country, the onset of monsoon is expected to have no effect on spread of the deadly virus in Odisha, said Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) Director Ajay Parida.

The statement came amid ongoing research on possible spike in COVID-19 cases during monsoon.

“The monsoon will not put any effect on transmission of COVID-19 in the State. However, the current crisis may intensify further in case of lack of awareness,” Parida told media.

He made it clear that humans will have to survive with COVID as the virus will not be eliminated completely.

Talking about COVID-19 that has infected more than 2000 people in Odisha, he said that ILS will carry out a scientific study on the type of COVID-19 strain active in the State and evolution of the virus.

“The researchers of ILS and RMRC have already commenced a genetic study on 145 COVID-19 patients to ascertain the virus variant of corona family. The test will be conducted on 200 people infected with COVID-19. The results will come out within two weeks,” Parida said.

However, he denied the report of community spread of the virus in the State.

“There is no community transmission in Odisha yet. Almost all the cases are being reported from quarantine centres,” he said.