No Need to Panic Over Sporadic COVID-19 Cases in Odisha, Says Health Secretary

Bhubaneswar: Amid reports of isolated COVID-19 cases surfacing in different regions of Odisha, the State Government has assured citizens there is no cause for concern. Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary Aswathy S. on Tuesday urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that the government is maintaining strict vigilance and is fully prepared to manage the situation.

“People should not panic about the sporadic appearance of COVID-19 cases in the state. The government is closely monitoring the evolving situation, and all necessary precautions are in place,” said the Health Secretary, responding to media queries.

Since the peak of the pandemic in 2020–21, Odisha has seen a consistent decline in COVID-19 cases, thanks to widespread vaccination campaigns and robust public health interventions. The Secretary highlighted that the state’s proactive approach — including free vaccine rollout and sustained awareness initiatives — has significantly reduced the spread and impact of the virus.

“Sporadic and singular cases of COVID-19 continue to appear in various parts of the country, and Odisha is no exception,” she added. “However, these cases are managed according to established protocols and have not led to any alarming situation.”

Referring to the latest assessments by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Secretary clarified that these sporadic infections are caused by mild variants of already known COVID strains. Neither agency has issued any new advisories or indicated any potential escalation in severity.

“These cases are of a mild variety and do not cause grave illness. There is no evidence of any new or dangerous variant,” she assured.

The Health Department has reiterated its commitment to public safety and is maintaining readiness to respond swiftly to any emerging developments. The government has also urged people to continue practicing basic hygiene and to consult healthcare providers if they experience symptoms.