Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up Covid-19 surveillance and preparedness measures in districts bordering Andhra Pradesh following a recent increase in coronavirus cases and reports of two suspected Covid-related deaths in the neighbouring state.
State Public Health Director Dr. Rabindranath Mishra said Odisha continues to maintain active surveillance and regular testing across healthcare facilities. He assured that no Covid-19 positive cases have been detected in the state so far and urged people not to panic.
“Covid surveillance is ongoing across Odisha, and testing is being conducted regularly. All samples tested so far have returned negative results. There is no cause for concern at present, but the state remains fully alert,” Dr. Mishra said.
Enhanced Surveillance in Border Districts
In response to the emerging situation in Andhra Pradesh, the Health Department has directed Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) in districts bordering the neighbouring state to intensify screening activities and ensure prompt testing of all suspected Covid-19 cases at district headquarters hospitals.
Health authorities have been instructed to closely monitor any rise in respiratory illnesses and strengthen preparedness to prevent any potential outbreak.
Special Vigil Ahead of Rath Yatra
The precautionary measures assume added significance ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, which is expected to attract lakhs of devotees from across the country to Odisha.
Officials said individuals exhibiting Covid-like symptoms during the festival period will be tested and managed according to existing Covid-19 protocols. Health teams have been asked to remain vigilant and ensure adequate medical preparedness at key locations.
Andhra Pradesh Reports Fresh Cases
According to reports, Andhra Pradesh has recently recorded several new Covid-19 infections, while two suspected Covid-related deaths have been reported from Kadapa district. In response, authorities in the neighbouring state have intensified surveillance, deployed rapid response teams and directed hospitals to keep isolation facilities ready as a precautionary measure.
State Preparedness Measures in Place
Odisha has also revived several preparedness measures following the Centre’s advisory issued after a rise in Covid-19 cases in June 2025. The advisory called for enhanced testing, particularly among Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) patients and at least five per cent of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases.
The guidelines also require states to send positive SARI samples for genome sequencing through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) laboratory network to monitor emerging variants.
Dr. Mishra said the state remains fully prepared to respond to any Covid-19-related situation while continuing routine surveillance, testing and public health monitoring to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the upcoming festival season.
