Bhubaneswar, July 22: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Wednesday appealed to the public not to panic over the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, saying the State is witnessing only a mild seasonal increase and the overall situation remains under control.

The Minister made the remarks after chairing a COVID-19 precautionary review meeting with senior officials of the Health Department, including the Health Secretary.

Speaking to reporters, Mahaling said COVID-19 cases have been reported in neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, prompting the Odisha government to conduct a detailed assessment of the situation.

“We reviewed the COVID-19 situation in Odisha in detail with Health Department officials. Directions have been issued to adopt and implement all guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. We are on alert and closely monitoring the situation,” he said.

Assuring the people of the State, the Minister said, “There is no need to panic. The Odisha government is fully vigilant and prepared to take all necessary measures, including issuing advisories and responding to any emergency, if required.”

Responding to recent media reports, the Health and Family Welfare Department said the COVID-19 situation is being closely monitored in accordance with the guidelines and protocols issued by the Government of India.

According to information shared by the Centre, assessments carried out by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicate that the current trend reflects only a limited seasonal uptick and does not pose any alarming public health concern.

“The current data points to a low seasonal increase with no cause for panic,” the department said in an official statement.

The department added that routine surveillance and clinical monitoring will continue across Odisha, with authorities maintaining close vigilance and taking appropriate measures as per the prescribed protocols.

Reassuring the public, the Health Department said the State’s healthcare system is fully prepared to respond to any change in the COVID-19 situation and that developments are being continuously reviewed in coordination with the Centre.