Bhubaneswar: The health and family welfare department has stepped up preparedness following a rise in Covid-19 cases in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, with a special focus on preventing any spread of infection just before Rath Yatra.

Health and family welfare minister Mukesh Mahaling on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting here to review the preparedness. Senior officials of the department, including the director of health services and other health authorities, were in attendance.

The discussions focused on strengthening surveillance and implementing preventive measures during Rath Yatra. “We have seen that Covid-19 cases have been reported in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,” Mahaling said after holding the meeting.

“I want to assure people of Odisha that there is no need to panic about Covid-19,” Mahaling said, adding that the state was fully equipped to deal with any situation.

The chief district medical and public health officer (CDM&PHO) has directed all healthcare institutions, including City Hospital, sub-divisional hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres, to remain on high alert.

Source: ET Healthworld - July 15,2026