No decline in COVID-19 cases in Bhubaneswar before Dussehra!

Bhubaneswar: As COVID-19 cases surge continues unabated, it seems like there will be no decline in positive cases in Bhubaneswar before Dussehra this year.

According to analysis by the RMRC, the COVID situation will continue till one-fourth population in Bhubaneswar gets infected with the deadly virus.

“Novel coronavirus is a mysterious virus. It is very hard to make any assumption about the virus due to its many mutations. Therefore, the spread of infection due to Coronavirus can only be brought under control if antibody will be developed in a number of people,” said Bhubaneswar RMRC Director Dr Sanghamitra Pati.

As per serological surveillance conducted in August, only 5.15 percent people have developed antibodies for COVID-19 in Bhubaneswar, which shows a very low prevalence. In July, it was only 1.2%.

The virus could be controlled in the city if around 25% to 30% people develop antibodies, she said.

The antibodies among people are expected to be higher in next sero survey as the number of infectees is more in August and September in Bhubaneswar.

The third phase of sero survey will be conducted before Dussehra.

As per RMRC estimate, the COVID situation in Bhubaneswar can be controlled if around 3 lakh people of total 10 lakh population contract infections in coming days.

Currently, the city registered total 21,526 COVID-19 positive cases so far.

Recently, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary had said that the surge in COVID-19 cases reported in Bhubaneswar seems to have plateaued.

The city is registering between 300 and 350 positive cases every day. It will be more protected if a greater number of people develop antibodies for COVID-19, he said.