No new COVID-19 case in Odisha, total remains at 60

Bhubaneswar, Apr 17 () Odisha has not reported anyCOVID-19 case in the past 48 hours, as all the samples sentfor tests have come out negative during this period, a healthand family welfare department official said on Friday.

The state has so far reported 60 coronavirus positivecases, including the death of one person.

The department said a total of 843 samples were testedon Thursday and 1,197 specimens were examined on Wednesday,the reports of which were negative.

The last five COVID-19 cases were detected on April14, officials said, adding, of the 7,577 samples tested, 7,517were negative.

Odisha has 40 active cases at present, while at least19 persons have recovered from the disease and discharged fromhospitals.

Meanwhile, Development Commissioner S C Mohapatra saidthe state is planning to launch a "massive coronavirus testdrive" in order to reach its goal of zero transmission.

He said the drive will include everyone, from slumdwellers to health workers. AAMRBT RBT