Signs Of Odisha Covid Graph Plateauing; Another Lockdown Can Completely Break The Chain

Bhubaneswar: The Covid-19 graph in Odisha seems to be plateauing with the number of positive cases constantly decreasing in the last few days. The state had reported its highest ever daily infections of 12390 on the 14th of this month and since then is showing a declining trend. In the last four days the numbers have remained near ten thousand. The latest figures from the health department show Odisha reported 10321 cases on Monday. What brings a big relief for the state is that the number of recoveries in the state has outpaced the number of infections. Continuously for two days, the number of recoveries has been more than the number of infections in Odisha. On May 16th Odisha registered highest ever daily recovery of 12077 cases and 11732 positive cases. On May 17th Odisha reported 11821 recoveries compared to 10757 positive cases. This gives a positive indication that the state is looking at an improved situation in the next couple of days.

In terms of positivity rate also, Odisha is witnessing a decreasing trend. The state which reported about 25 percent positivity rate in the last week, is reporting a rate of 20 percent now – an improvement that cannot be ignored. While the state data is showing good signs, the western districts which were most affected by the second wave due to their proximity to Chhattisgarh and other states, also are witnessing a downward trend in the numbers. Especially, Sundargarh district which reported its highest ever infection numbers on 7th may at 2073 cases, has reported 819 cases on 18th May – more than halved in just ten days. The situation is same with other western Odisha districts such as Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi etc.

The improving situation in Odisha can be attributed to the statewide lockdown imposed on May 5th. The strict implementation of the lockdown restricted unwanted movement and gathering of people and helped a lot in containing the infection in the state. According to Dr Sunil Agarwal, professor at MKCG Medical College, the lockdown had an important positive impact on minimizing the number of infections. As we are witnessing a declining trend and are on the verge of totally containing the disease, another spell of brief lockdown can work wonders.

Common people are also of the opinion that the lockdown should be expended as at this crucial time. According to Anupama Jena, a house wife from Cuttack, we have been obeying the lockdown guidelines since the beginning. If the lockdown helps in breaking the chain we should all support it. As it is summer and schools and colleges are closed we should not worry. Also, the brief relaxation being given should continue for the people to get their daily needs.
According to Prasanna Maharana of Balasore, the lockdown should continue so that the number of infections come down to negligible. A little inconvenience today can save many lives. Government should extend the lockdown by another 15 days so that the numbers are zero.