Bhubaneswar, July 13: The Odisha Government has intensified its public health response after two persons died due to COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh.

The Health Department has issued an alert and stepped up its surveillance systems along its border districts to prevent spread in the State and directed officials to remain on high alert ahead of the annual Rath Yatra in Puri.

State Public Health Director Dr Rabindranath Mishra said that surveillance systems have been revived for early test and detection.

He, however, urged people not to panic as there was no detection of positive cases as of now.

“All the Chief District Medical Officers sharing a border with Andhra Pradesh have been instructed to remain alert. They have been asked to intensify surveillance and ensure that all suspected COVID-19 cases are tested at district headquarters hospitals,” said Rath.

Notably, two persons, including a 46-year-old man are suspected to have died of Covid-19 in Andhra Pradesh’s Kadapa district recently, while around 10 cases of Covid infection have also been detected in the region.

Rath said that surveillance against Covid-19 is continuing and tests are being carried out at different facilities on a regular basis.

“Despite decline in the cases, we have maintained continuous COVID-19 surveillance despite the decline in cases. Our surveillance against Covid-19 is continuing and tests are being carried out at different facilities on a regular basis. The results, so far have remained negative. There is nothing to be worried about,” asserted Mishra.

The resurface of Covid comes at a time as lakhs of devotees are expected to visit Puri for the upcoming Rath Yatra.