Onset of monsoon is expected to have no effect on spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) the deadly virus in Odisha, said Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar Director Dr Ajay Parida on Wednesday.
He made the statement amid apprehensions of a possible hike in Covid-19 cases during the approaching monsoon.
“The monsoon will not have any effect on transmission of Covid-19. However, the current crisis may intensify further in case of lack of awareness,” Dr Parida told media.
He also made it clear that humans would have to survive with Covid as the virus would not be eliminated completely.
In his reaction to the fact that Covid-19 has infected more than 2,000 people in Odisha, Dr Parida said the ILS would carry out a scientific study on the type of Covid-19 strain active in the State and the evolution of the virus.
“The researchers of ILS and RMRC have already commenced a genetic study on 145 Covid-19 patients to ascertain the virus variant of the corona family. The test will be conducted on 200 people infected with Covid-19. The results will come out within two weeks,” he said.
However, he denied the report of community spread of the virus in the State.
“There is no community transmission in Odisha yet. Almost all the cases are being reported from quarantine centres,” he said.
