Bhubaneswar: With the new sub-variant of Covid 19- JN.1- spreading its tentacles in other parts of the country, Odisha reported first Covid-19 case after a long gap.
Following the report of the case, the Health and Family Welfare Department advised elderly persons and those with comorbidities to wear masks.
Taking to its official ‘X’ handle, the Department said, “With the emergence of #JN1CovidVariant, #Odisha Government has advised the elderly people and those with comorbidities to wear a facemask while going out and avoid visiting crowded places. #OdishaCares.”
“In Kerala, the infected persons were mostly elderly persons with comorbidities. Keeping in view this trend, the Odisha government has issued advisory for the elderly persons and people with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and other serious health complications,” Director of Public Health Niranjan Mishra told reporters.
Dr.Mishra said the lone patient was under home treatment and there was no hospitalisation Covid-19 case in the state. He said apart from wearing masks, hand hygiene is also highly required,” he said.
Speaking to the media, Director of Health Services Bijay Kumar Mohapatra clarified that no guideline has been issued making the wearing of face masks mandatory for people. “The testing centre will be increased if required,” he said.
However, he appealed to the people to go for tests if they find any symptoms of Covid-19.
