Seven New Covid-19 Cases Reported in Odisha, Total Rises to 30

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has reported seven new Covid-19 cases, raising the total number of infections in the state to 30, health officials confirmed on Tuesday. The majority of these cases continue to be concentrated in Khordha and Cuttack districts.

Khordha district leads with 16 confirmed cases, followed by Cuttack with nine. The remaining five cases have been reported from Puri, Sundargarh, Jagatsinghpur, Keonjhar, and Balasore, with one case each. Officials have identified the infections as being caused by a sub-variant of the Omicron strain.

Health experts have described the sub-variant as not highly lethal but capable of producing moderate symptoms, including fever, cough, and cold. However, elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions have been advised to exercise extra caution.

Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health, noted that Odisha has so far not experienced the kind of surge in infections seen in some other states. “The situation is under control, and we are closely monitoring it,” he said.

He further added that while the Centre has not issued any new guidelines, the Odisha government is continuing to adhere to standard preventive measures, including testing, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns.

Health officials have urged people, especially those at higher risk, to remain vigilant and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour such as wearing masks in crowded places, practicing hand hygiene, and avoiding unnecessary gatherings.