A declining trend in Covid-19 cases has begun in Odisha and the rate of infection would further drop in a week or 10 days, said Director of Health Services Bijay Mohapatra on Monday.
“The number of daily positive cases is decreasing. The current downward trend suggests that the infection will further decline within a week or 10 days. And since around 60% of the patients were critical and being treated in ICUs, the number of casualties has increased,” said he.
On vaccination, Dr Mohapatra said priority is now being given to people belonging to 18-44-year age group due for the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine. Besides, a vaccination drive has already begun in the State’s remaining 22 district headquarters. “The plan of action depends on the supply of vaccines to the State. We prescribe medicines against the virus as per the recommendations of the National Task Force. If stress is being given on oxygen, paracetamol and steroids, we will also follow the same after necessary analysis,” he added.
On Sunday, Dr Mohapatra had said that declines in the test positivity rate (TPR) and the number of daily cases show that the State is witnessing a downward trend in the transmission of the virus.
“From 24% three weeks ago to less than 10% is a good indicator. If the trend continues like this, the State Government may lift the lockdown in a phased manner. Hopefully, we will be in a comfortable position by the end of this month,” he had stated.