The State like of Kerala, which had once controlled the Covid-19 pandemic in an effective manner, has registered a three-fold rise in single-day positive cases after its popular festival Onam.
Pointing out this, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday told the people of Odisha to remain cautious and strictly follow the Covid-19 guidelines during the upcoming festivals to avert a Kerala-like situation.Addressing the people of the State through a video message, Patnaik urged them not to crowd public places during Durga Puja and Diwali and celebrate the festivals with their family members by staying indoors.
Carelessness and disobedience to the guidelines during the festive season would lead to further spread of the virus, he cautioned. He said experts claim that the Covid-19 outbreak would become worst during the coming winter months.
“The number of positive cases in Odisha has dropped in the last 15 days. The single-day tally, which was over 4,000 on September 26, has now come down to below 2,000. The positivity rate will further fall in coming days,” Patnaik said.“However, the character profile of coronavirus is very critical. Hence, we have to remain cautious till the vaccine and medicine come for treatment of the disease,” he added.