Allaying concerns over the surge in Covid-19 cases in the State, the Government on Thursday said this has come to light due to the ongoing massive door-to-door survey and the people need not worry much about it.
Health Department Additional Chief Secretary PK Mohapatra said ASHA, Anganwadi and ANM Workers across the State are conducting the house-to-house survey to identify persons with suspected Covid-19 symptoms and test them. “Our strategy is not to ignore a single potential case. We are ‘chasing the virus from house to house’,” he said.
With a 65% recovery rate, Odisha is at a far better position compared to other States. Odisha’s fatality rate is 0.54% against 2.5% in India, he pointed out. During the house-to-house survey, apart from symptomatic cases, persons with co-morbid conditions are being identified, he said.
The State Government has decided to set up another six testing facilities in next 10 days. At present, 19 testing facilities have been operationalised in the State, he informed. Besides, the district Collectors have been directed to prepare vision documents for next six months.
A plasma bank would be set up at the MKCG Medical College Hospital in Brahmapur and the Capital Hospital I Bhubaneswar soon, he said, adding that the decision has been taken on the basis of a report of a technical team on the success of plasma therapy, which was first launched at the SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack on July 15.