Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Covid-19 graph somehow managed to make it low but the recent relaxation of lockdown and resultant violation of Covid-19 protocols has lead to an increase in the numbers. The test positivity rate (TPR) stayed above 5% for the fourth straight day after going under on June 21 and 22.
According to some experts, the resurgence could be linked to a lesser number of RT-PCR tests being done of late, the government is mulling extending the lockdown in at least 8 districts and the capital city of Bhubaneswar.
As per the reports, TPR is on the rise since June 23 and in many districts including Khurda, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack it is higher than the state average, with Khurda recording 10.64% TPR- the highest in the state. As per the state Covid dashboard, TPR in 24 districts has shown a rising trend.
While the state government estimates that the TPR is rising due to violations of Covid-containment norms. Bijay Mohapatra, Director of State Health Services stated that people who go out to buy things are often found gossiping instead of returning home after the purchase. Infection is not declining because of people not adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour. The virus is there in the environment so transmission will happen
He then added that the government was closely monitoring the situation on a daily basis. The current lockdown restriction will continue till July 1, the government will decide whether to further relax restrictions at a high-level meeting on June 30.
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