Odisha reports 17 new Covid-19 cases, total rises to 73
Odisha has reported 17 new Covid-19 positive cases in the last 24 hours, just a week after the state reported such cases in double digits for two days in a row.

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has reported 17 new Covid-19 positive cases in the last 24 hours, just a week after the state reported such cases in double digits for two days in a row.
However, the state government sought to reassure residents that there is no need to panic, claiming that the increase in Covid-19 cases was due to increased testing.
The new Covid-19 cases were discovered after 5,647 samples were tested in laboratories over the last 24 hours, according to Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra.
He stated that the total Covid-19 positivity tally in the state is now at 73, and that only one patient is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
While the detectoin of 17 fresh cases was the highest in the last 134 days, there is no evidence of any increase in hospitalisation and mortality in the state, officials said.
It may be noted that Odisha reported Covid-19 cases in double digits on March 16 and 17 for the first time after a gap of around four months. For the two consecutive day, the state had reported 11 new cases each.
However, health officials are of the view that there is nothing to worry about as the new Covid-19 cases are being detected after testing of more samples.
The state government has been creating awareness among people with cold and cough and symptoms of flu to undergo Covid-19 test following rise in H3N2 influenza cases in some parts of the country including Odisha.
Following an increase in H3N2 influenza cases in some parts of the country, including Odisha, the state government has been raising awareness among people with colds, coughs, and flu-like symptoms to get a Covid-19 test.
Many people with coughs and colds are now getting Covid-19 testing on the advice of the state government. As a result, they claim, new cases are being discovered.
As a precautionary measure against H3N2, the state government has advised residents to practice good respiratory hygiene and to isolate themselves if they experience cold or cough symptoms.
Officials urged elderly and comorbid people to continue COVID-appropriate behavior and to wear masks in crowded places, saying that while the pandemic is far from over, there is no need to panic.