COVID-19 curve flattening in Bhubaneswar, situation to further improve soon: BMC Commissioner

Bhubaneswar. Sep 18: The COVID-19 positivity rate in Bhubaneswar is declining in comparison to number of testing being done daily and the home isolation rate has also risen significantly, nearly 74 per cent, indicating a welcome trend, and it will further improve in the coming days. Addressing a press conference about the current status in the capital city this evening, BMC Commissioner, Prem Chandra Chaudhary, said: “Currently, Bhubaneswar has 4,426 active cases and the number is declining day by day. Last week, it was above 5000. Around 300 to 400 COVID-19 cases are being reported daily despite an increase in tests which are now 4000 to 5000 since the last one week.” “Bhubaneswar is the only city in the state now where testing on demand is available and people are getting themselves tested in private labs and government-run Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs),” he said. Home isolation rate has increased from 42 per cent to 73.50 per cent in the city. In the last five days, the home isolation rate was 95.44 per cent. “We have 54 RRT teams with 18 in each ward to monitor them. Helpline no 1929 have been opened round-the-clock for the last 15 days. Active surveillance is being carried out in 20 non-slum areas by 210 teams,” Chaudhary informed. On enforcement, the Commissioner said that five zonal squads ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 guideline in market areas every evening and it is being done in coordination with the Commisionerate Police. “On a rotation basis, asymptomatic patients are being shifted home. A total of 445 ICUs and 2500 general beds are available in private hospitals. Squads have been formed to monitor treatment of COVID-19 patients in these hospitals,” Meanwhile, the Civic Body has strengthened its measures to control the spread of corona virus. As many as 90 RRT teams, 38 testing teams, 210 surveillance teams (non-slum) are currently engaged in the fight against COVID-19 in the city. In Bhubaneswar, around 3807 beds other than ICU and ventilators are available. As on September 17, the city has 442 ICU/HDUs and 165 ventilators are available for treatment of critical COVID-19 patients. Commissioner sought cooperation of citizens to follow SOP of COVID 19 prevention behaviour like distancing, using mask and hand washing as well as sanitation and hygiene.