15 persons test positive for COVID-19 in Odisha, total cases rise to 20

Fifteen persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 20, officials said.

While 10 new cases were reported from Bhubaneswar, two persons tested positive in Bhadrak district, and one each in Cuttack, Puri and Jajpur, they said.

Among the new patients are seven persons who came in contact with the 60-year-old man from Suryanagar in the state capital infected with the deadly virus and undergoing treatment at the AIIMS, the officials said.

His wife, daughter and five tenants have tested positive, the Health and Family Welfare Department said.

Three persons from Bomikhal in Bhubaneswar also tested positive, prompting the police to seal the area.

All entry and exit points of the area have been closed and the residents will be provided essential items by the Bhubaneswar Municpal Corporation, officials said.

Police said a massive contact-tracing exercise has been launched in the wake of the new cases.

The seven new patients from the Suryanagar area have no travel history, while police said they were yet to ascertain the travel details of the other new patients.

Two COVID-19 patients have so far recovered and discharged from hospitals, officials said.

The government has imposed a 48-hour total shutdown, akin to curfew, in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Bhadrak town, which started at 8 pm.