Odisha’s tally of COVID-19 positive cases have more than doubled in a week and continues to rise unabated, as a result of the massive influx of migrant workers from all over the country. About 83 people tested positive on Sunday, which was the largest single-day spike observed in the state’s trends for the dreaded virus, pushing the overall count of infected to 377. A week back, the figure was pegged at 163.
Ganjam has emerged as the new hotspot of the deadly disease, with more than 125 cases being reported in less than a week – all of whom are returnees from Surat. A seven-member delegation, comprising of the Director of Health Services, representatives from WHO, ICMR, and RMRC are currently in Ganjam to assess and assist the state’s surveillance, detection, and containment efforts.
Apart from the Ganjam district, several other areas have also become COVID hotspots, posing a challenge for the state administration. These include Jajpur district with 60 cases, Balasore with 42, and Bhadrak with 31. Out of the 377 who have tested positive for the virus, 290 have a travel history to Surat and West Bengal – two primary sources of infection.