Odisha: One day after Odisha reported its first Omicron cases, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged people to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour in order to defeat the new variant of coronavirus.

Patnaik made the request in a video message, saying: "COVID-19 has a new variant. Omicron is spreading all over the world. As a result, I urge people to remain vigilant and adhere to social norms such as wearing masks, washing their hands, maintaining social distance, and avoiding crowds." The chief minister stated that public cooperation was essential after the state successfully combated the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of the people.

Odisha reported two cases of Omicron variant on Tuesday after sequencing the genomes of 12 COVID-19 positive patients who had recently returned from abroad.  Meanwhile, the state government convened a meeting of senior officials on Wednesday to discuss additional measures to be taken in light of the Omicron variant, which has already entered Odisha. "The meeting agreed to increase surveillance and vaccination efforts." The government will expand genome sequencing tests," said Nirajan Mishra, director of the public health service.

Bijay Mohapatra, Director of Health Services, stated that the Central Government has written to all states and union territories, advising them to impose restrictions if the test positivity rate (TPR) exceeds 10 per cent or the occupancy of oxygen-supported ICU beds exceeds 40 percent.

People should follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. We must take every precaution to prevent the virus from spreading further,

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

Odisha Assembly adjourned sine die 20 days ahead of schedule

Now, 'Omicron' raises concerns in the state, 3 people in contact with infected people