Bhubaneswar, May 23 – The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has confirmed the first COVID-19 case in the state capital, prompting officials to reassure the public and urge against panic. The patient is reportedly in stable condition and is recovering well.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Aswathy S., emphasized that the situation is under control and there is no immediate cause for concern.
“Currently, we have no formal advisory in place, but we are closely monitoring the situation. The available data suggests that the prevailing strain is mild, with low severity. There is no reason for alarm. The state health machinery is fully in control,” said Aswathy.
She reiterated that there is no need to panic and clarified that no advisories have been issued by the central government at this point. However, the department is maintaining strict surveillance and will implement necessary measures if further guidelines are released by the Government of India.
Highlighting the state’s preparedness, Aswathy added, “The patient who tested positive is recovering well. The new variant does not appear to pose increased health risks.”
The Commissioner noted that sporadic cases of COVID-19 have continued to be detected across India since the peak of the pandemic in 2020–21. She credited Odisha’s robust public health response — including widespread vaccination campaigns and targeted containment efforts — for keeping the virus largely in check within the state.
According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), recent cases being reported across the country are associated with known and mild strains of the virus. Neither organization has issued new advisories regarding these cases.
“We will increase our response measures if and when it becomes necessary,” Aswathy concluded, reaffirming that Odisha’s health authorities remain fully prepared to act swiftly in the event of any escalation.
At present, only one case has been reported in the state capital, and officials stress that vigilance, rather than alarm, is the appropriate public response.
