Bhubaneswar: As Odisha reported two cases of Omicron yesterday, people of the state are concerned whether they have to face lockdown-like restrictions for curbing the further spread of the variant of COVID-19 virus.

Odisha Health Services Director Bijay Mohapatra today said the Central Government has written to all States and Union Territories advising the administrations to impose restrictions if the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) crosses 10% or occupancy of oxygen-supported ICU beds touches 40%.

"To avoid untoward situation, people should adhere to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. We should take every possible step to stop further transmission of the virus," he said.

The current situation shouldn't be taken lightly, he added.

In the advisory to all States and Union Territories, the Central Government has asked for night curfew, regulation of large gatherings, curtailing numbers in marriages and funerals, restricting numbers in offices, industries, public transport etc. as restriction measures, if required.

Omicron is three times more transmissible that the Delta variant, the Centre said.

"Based on current scientific evidence, the Variant of Concern Omicron is at least 3 times more transmissible than the Delta Variant. Besides, the Delta VOC is still present in different parts of the country. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making and strict & prompt containment action is required at the local and district level," it said.

It has asked the States and Union Territories to review the emerging data of Covid-19 affected population, geographical spread, hospital infrastructure and its utilisation, manpower, notifying containment zones, and enforcement of perimeter of containment zones at the district levels.

It has called for formulating a strategy that can ensure infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to other parts of the state.