‘To Increase COVID-19 testing capacity per day in Odisha Capital is priority’

Bhubaneswar: Amid the rising cases of COVID-19, the Odisha government today said testing of more people in Bhubaneswar is priority. It has set a target to undertake 1,400 tests per day in the Odisha Capital.

COVID-19 Observer for Bhubaneswar, Anu Garg said even though a target has been set for 1,400 tests per day, the officials of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and health workers have achieved the same today itself.

Also, the number of rapid response teams (RRTs) has been increased from 9 to 15 for extensive testing in the city.

Apart from the Sachetak Committee for wards in the city, active surveillance is being carried out in slums through Slum Committees.

Garg added the number of beds at COVID hospitals in Bhubaneswar will be increased by 1,500. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation is also operating a round-the clock call centre – 1929 to help persons with suspected symptoms of COVID-19.

BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary said proactive surveillance is being carried out to trace and isolate the positive cases. In Bhubaneswar, containment zone order has been in place in Sitapur Basti, Nayapalli; Trinath Basti, Ganapati Basti and Hariharpur Basti.

So far, the city reported 1,828 corona positive cases. While 952 COVID-19 patients recovered, the number of active cases stands at 863. A total 11 patients died of the disease in the city till yet.

Also read: Bhubaneswar Reports 111 New COVID-19 Cases; Here’re Details