Bhubaneswar, Jul 14: The Odisha government has stepped up its preparedness following a rise in COVID-19 cases in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, with special focus on preventing the spread of infection ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra festival.

To review the state's preparedness, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by the Health Secretary, Director of Public Health, and other senior officials of the Health Department.

The discussions focused on strengthening surveillance and implementing preventive measures to ensure that the annual Rath Yatra, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country, is conducted safely without triggering a fresh wave of infections.

Meanwhile, the Ganjam district administration, which shares a border with Andhra Pradesh, has issued an emergency advisory to strengthen COVID-19 preparedness. The Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer (CDM&PHO) has directed all healthcare institutions, including City Hospital, sub-divisional hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), to remain on high alert.

The district health authorities have intensified surveillance and emergency preparedness measures. In an official communication issued on Monday, the CDM&PHO instructed medical officers, hospital superintendents, and health officials across the district to strictly follow the revised COVID-19 guidelines issued by both the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

As part of the precautionary measures, all patients admitted with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) will undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing. Health facilities have also been directed to ensure adequate preparedness to handle any potential increase in cases.

With the Rath Yatra festivities approaching, the state government is closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation and is expected to issue additional advisories, if required, to safeguard public health while ensuring the smooth conduct of one of Odisha's largest religious events.