No reports of triple mutant variant of COVID-19 in Odisha yet

Bhubaneswar:  Amidst resurge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic, Odisha Government today said there has been no reports of the new triple mutant variant of the virus in the state so far.

The new strain, which has a higher transmission rate, has been found in West Bengal, Delhi and Chhattisgarh. And, it is being studied if vaccine can prevent the new variant of the virus, said Health and Family Welfare Director Bijay Panigrahi today.

Regarding vaccination, the health official said 54,41,478 people have so far been vaccinated in the state and only 50 of them have reportedly contracted the virus after getting the first jab.

“One can not contract the virus after being administered with both the doses. The rate of fatality and transmission will decrease if more people will be completely vaccinated at the earliest,” he said.

The inoculation drive will remain suspended during weekend shutdown across the state.  However, the drive has been halted at 800 centres in the state due to vaccine shortage, the official informed.

Earlier yesterday, the state Government directed district Collectors to stop supply of COVID-19 vaccines to private immunization centres as they will procure the same directly from the manufacturers.