In Odisha, COVID-19 recovery has increased to 2,35,763 as against a total caseload of 2,62,011. While the state is nearing 40 lakh mark in sample tests, the active caseload of the state has come down to 25,106. With 17 more death reported yesterday, the COVID-19 fatalities have gone up to 1089.

Out of about 25,000 COVID-19 active cases, a whooping 75%, which counts to about 20,000 positive cases, are in home isolation in the state as of now. It's for this segment of the patients that the state government mooted and executed the idea of Favipiravir therapy earlier this month.

The life saving therapy, being administered under close medical guidance, has received community acceptance as revealed in a review meeting yesterday. Despite encouraging indicators in COVID-19 management, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has cautioned people against confusing the impressive recovery with increasing complacency- particularly in view of the upcoming festive as well as winter season. Flagging the spike in cases in Kerala after Onam by the second wave of infection, he has asked the Collectors and SPs to be on their guard to ensure people do not lower their guards against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, even as the state enters into a festive phase now and wintry days thereafter, the state has been ramping up the stocks in its medical toolbox like oxygen cylinders and ventilators to cushion the criticalities of any viral resurgence ahead.