"Should also train teachers on how we can prevent COVID": Odisha Minister Nityananda Gond

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 7 (ANI): Odisha Education Minister Nityananda Gond said the government is cautious about COVID-19 and that teachers should be trained to prevent COVID-19 infection when exposure to the virus cannot be avoided.
Speaking to ANI on Friday, Minister Nityananda Gond said, "...We are cautious in this regard, and we will follow the instructions issued by the Government of India and the state government... We should also train teachers on how we can prevent COVID infection at a time when we cannot avoid exposure..."
According to the Union Ministry of Health, there were 23 active COVID-19 cases in Odisha as of 8 AM on June 7. On Sunday, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state was 12, according to the Director of Public Health, Government of Odisha, Dr Nilakantha Mishra.
"The number of cases is very low, and almost all patients diagnosed with COVID have mild symptoms. They are being treated in isolation in their own homes," Dr Mishra told ANI.
He further reassured the public, stating that the variants detected in the state are sublineages of Omicron, and there is no cause for concern at this point. "There is nothing to worry about in Odisha. The variants that have been detected are also Omicron variants," he added.
As of June 7, 2025, at 8 AM, India reported 5364 active COVID-19 cases. Most cases are mild and managed under home care.
Since January 1, 2025, 55 deaths have been reported, primarily among individuals with pre-existing illnesses. States have been instructed to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines.
In view of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in India, a series of technical review meetings were held on June 2 and 3 with various representatives under the chairpersonship of Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS).
According to a press release, the representatives include Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Central Government Hospitals in Delhi and with representatives from all States and UTs to evaluate the current COVID-19 situation and preparedness measures. (ANI)