Odisha: The Institute of Life Sciences in Bhubaneswar said on Thursday that two more new cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 had been detected in the state.

The Institute of Life Sciences in its statement said that the presence of the virus's Omicron variant was confirmed in the two people after genome sequencing. This brings the overall number of Omicron in Odisha to four. 

Odisha Health Director Bijay Panigrah announced today that the state's monitoring and immunisation campaigns will be stepped up. "We've been told to increase the daily Covid tests to 70,000," Panigrah said.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the people of the state to adhere to Covid guidelines. "The Omicron variant of Covid-19 is causing an increase in infections. "We must remain vigilant since the new strain is rapidly spreading," Patnaik warned. The minister also recommended people to wear masks and wash their hands frequently. "Unnecessary travel should be avoided wherever possible. In the past, we received sufficient public backing to deal with any emergency crisis. "With everyone's help, we can and will battle this wave," the CM said.

Patnaik launches 'Mukhyamantri Vayu Swasthya Seva’ for 4 remote districts

Odisha to provide house repair aid Rs 1,444 cr under govt housing scheme

Patnaik launches 'Mukhyamantri Vayu Swasthya Seva’ for 4 remote districts