Odisha Allows Home Isolation Of Asymptomatic, Mild Symptomatic COVID-19 Patients In Rural Areas

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday (July 23) said that the guidelines issued to allow home isolation to all COVID-19 positive patients, who are asymptomatic/have mild symptoms and have no comorbidities in urban areas, will also apply to rural areas in the state. Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department said that COVID-19 cases are increasing because of intensified house to house survey and testing of symptomatic people.

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During the last few days, it is found that COVID-19 positive cases are increasing in the state but the people need not to panic. It is because of intensified house to house survey and testing of symptomatic people, he said.

“Health infrastructure is stable in the state. There is an adequate stock of medicine and logistics for coming four months to combat COVID-19,” added Mr Mohapatra.

Also Read: Odisha Deploys 130 Doctors, 37 Officers In Ganjam District To Combat Rising COVID-19 Cases

He urged people with symptoms to voluntarily come forward for testing.

The fight against COVID-19 can be strengthened if early detection of positive cases can be done and necessary treatment begins timely. Therefore, we appeal to the persons having symptoms to voluntarily come forward for testing. This will help to contain COVID-19 in a better way, Mr Mohapatra said.

Also Read: Bhubaneswar Undertakes Sero-Surveillance To Ascertain Extent Of COVID-19 Spread

He said that COVID-19 treatment through plasma therapy has yielded significant results. “Keeping this in view, plasma banks shall be opened soon at MKCG Medical College, Berhampur and Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar,” he noted.

People who have recovered from COVID-19 are requested to come forward to donate plasma to save lives, he said.

“People are requested to adhere to COVID-19 protocols including proper wearing of masks, maintenance of social distancing and frequent hand washing. Spitting at public places is strictly prohibited,” Mr Mohapatra said.

He added that 6,580 COVID Care Homes are operational in 6,798 Gram Panchayats of the state so far.

In all these centres, a total number of 65,965 beds have been arranged to provide COVID-19 health services, Mr Mohapatra further said.

Also Read: Over 46,000 ASHAs In Odisha Working Closely With Local Communities To Fight COVID-19

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.