Plasma therapy and dedicated COVID-19 care systems help Odisha cross one-lakh recoveries milestone

The COVID-19 recovery rate of Odisha is significantly higher at 75.66 per cent and with the state government's initiatives to counter the pandemic, the rate is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

Key Highlights

• Stste government established six plasma therapy centres in just 45 days

• The state had quickly ramped up the testing from 10,000 in July last week to more than 50,000 tests by August second week

Bhubaneshwar: Odisha achieved a significant milestone in its fight against COVID-19 when, on September 8, the number of patients recovered for COVID-19 crossed the one-lakh mark. According to the information shared by the state government, the recovery rate of Odisha is significantly higher at 75.66 per cent and is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

"The Government increased the testing facilities across the State. In view of the rising cases, the state had quickly ramped up the testing from 10,000 in July last week to more than 50,000 tests by August second week. The positivity rate came down from 10.78% in July last week to 6.01% currently," the state government said in a release.

According to the state administration, Odisha took proactive steps towards plasma therapy with the intention of saving critical patients. In a swift move to counter COVID-19 spread, the state government had established six plasma banks within a short span of 45 days and treated 692 patients. COVID care centres with 19,530 beds have been established across the state in every district for the symptomatic patients, the state department said.

"50 Dedicated COVID Hospitals with 7,843 beds and 838 ICU beds and 464 ventilators established across the State. In view of the increasing cases, further 526 beds and 209 ICU units have been approved. A unique partnership with Private hospitals to quickly enhance," the statement further said. 

State BJP chief Samir Mohanty tests positive for COVID-19

According to the latest reports, Odisha recorded the highest single-day spike of 4,198 cases on Monday. State BJP chief Samir Mohanty was among those tested positive for the infection. With the latest addition, the total number of coronavirus cases in the state has reached 1.55 lakh. The highest number of cases were recorded in Khurda district, under which Bhubaneswar falls. The district witnessed 758 new cases on Monday, followed by Cuttak - 367 and Puri- 310. 

"Due to symptoms of Corona, I went for the test and found positive. I am doing well, but as per the advice of doctors, I got hospitalised and under treatment. I request all who have come in contact with me in the past few days to kindly isolate and conduct tests if necessary," Mohanty said in a tweet. He is the third BJP leader in the state to be affected with COVID-19 after Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari and Nilgiri MLA Sukanta Nayak.