The Odisha Government might re-impose the mask mandate and intensify surveillance activities if the Covid-19 cases surge in the State, Health Director Bijay Mohapatra said on Saturday.
He said, “Äs the Covid-19 cases are increasing in several States, the Centre has asked them to take precautionary measures. However, our State is in a much better position and as of now there is nothing to worry.”
“The surveillance and testing are still in place to monitor the situation in our State. We will continue the surveillance and trace the symptomatic patients. If the positivity rate increases, we will follow the modalities which we have been following since the outbreak of the pandemic in January 2020,” he added.
“As the infection is in an upward trend in five States, we must follow all the precautionary measures. People must wear masks in crowded places and undergo Covid test and isolate themselves if they have any symptoms of the virus,” Mohaptra said.
He said, “The decision to re-enforce mandatory use of masks depends on the surveillance data. We are strictly monitoring the situation and necessary steps will be taken at the appropriate time.”