CHANDIGARH: Covid admissions, which increased from nine to 21 in PGI last week, have reduced to 11. This is a welcome development considering that the third Covid surge was predicted in the middle of August but cases are decreasing instead.
“We are seeing reduction in Covid admissions now, after they increased last week. Vaccination coverage has been wide in the city and most people have developed antibodies against the virus,” said Prof Jagat Ram, director PGI.
However, caution has to be maintained as cases have been reported from more than one household in the city. “Initially, there were a few cases from one house or so but now we have been seeing cases from different families. We are keeping a track,” said a PGI faculty.
Since the last week, positivity rate in the city has been recorded at around 0.22%. “We see patients from surrounding states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Initially, there were more cases in Punjab, but now the patients have been discharged and not many new admissions have come,” said a faculty in PGI.
Despite the fall in daily cases, doctors advise caution as variants of the virus have been reported in states. “Covid appropriate behaviour has to be adhered to. Even a single mask worn properly is sufficient,” said a doctor in PGI.
To understand variants and their transmission, the virology department has started genome sequencing at the paediatric department. “This will help in surveillance and proper management,” said a public health expert.
Box: UT positivity rate
Aug 16 - 0.23%
Aug 17 - 0.22%
Aug 18 - 0.22%
Aug 19 - 0.21%
Aug 20 - 0.19%
Aug 21 - 0.21%
Aug 22 - 0.22%
