scorecardresearch
Friday, March 29, 2024
Support Our Journalism
HomeHealthCovid deaths increasing only in Delhi & Karnataka among 5 high-burden states,...

Covid deaths increasing only in Delhi & Karnataka among 5 high-burden states, says govt

70% of all Covid deaths in India have been reported from five states and union territories: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. 

Follow Us :
Text Size:

New Delhi: Five states and union territories (UTs) account for 70 per cent of total Covid-19 deaths in India, but only two — Delhi and Karnataka — are showing an increase in daily fatalities week-on-week, the health ministry said at the weekly coronavirus briefing Thursday.

“That 70 per cent deaths happened in five states is the accumulated number. But if we track numbers in these states over last three weeks, a different trend emerges… There is an increase in case fatality trajectory in only two states (sic) — these are Karnataka and Delhi,” Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said. 

While Karnataka has reported a 9.5 per cent increase over the period, Delhi registered a 50 per cent spurt.

“This number is big in Delhi because there is a sudden spurt in active cases and deaths in Delhi. That is why the home ministry is actively engaging with states and taking steps. Meetings have happened including at the level of the Lieutenant Governor,” Bhushan added.

Of the total 67,376 Covid deaths in India so far, Maharashtra accounts for 37.39 per cent, Tamil Nadu for 11.16 per cent, Delhi for 6.15 per cent, Andhra Pradesh for 6 per cent, and Karnataka for 8.13 per cent. However, on a week-on-week basis, deaths have decreased by 4.5 per cent in Andhra Pradesh, 18.2 per cent in Tamil Nadu, and 11.5 per cent in Maharashtra, the ministry said. 

The central government, Bhushan said, is confident that if measures suggested by it are effectively implemented in Delhi — “like the last time” — new cases and deaths would both be controlled. 

Delhi found itself facing a burgeoning Covid-19 case tally and toll in June, but the central government’s intervention — including increased testing — helped the capital bring the situation under control. However, Delhi is yet again facing a rising number of Covid-19 cases.


Also Read: Delhi Covid surge raises concerns over Metro resumption, but doctors are not too worried


How long does immunity last

Replying to a question about how long immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus lasts after one has recovered from the disease, Bhushan said: “Different scientific studies have been brought to our notice which say that immunity can last for 5-6 months to years but our advice to all is that even if you have recovered, continue to practice social distancing and hand hygiene.” 

Dr Balram Bhargava, the secretary for health research and director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said it is a matter under study the world over since the disease itself is just 7-8 months old. 

“But, it is important to remember that for respiratory viruses like flu and influenza, vaccines need to be given annually because the immunity lasts upto a year,” he added. He also said that sudden death in Covid-recovered patients happens because of the increased coagulability of blood. 


Also Read: Delhi testing rate drops 5 days after CM Kejriwal promises to double it, positivity climbs


Opening up 

On a question about the emphasis on easing the lockdown at a time when cases are on a high growth trajectory, Bhushan said the government has taken a call that both lives and livelihoods are important. 

“The government has adopted a graded approach to unlock and open up economic activities. It is not as if it has happened suddenly. Prior to graded opening the government also ensured that all prerequisites are in place — we ensured testing capacity was adequate, ensured that there are clear-cut guidelines of standard clinical treatment protocol and also ensured that hospital infrastructure is enhanced and there are adequate isolation, ICU and oxygen beds,” Bhushan added. 

He also said that while almost 90 per cent of tests were RT-PCR — believed to be the “gold standard” for Covid testing — in some states like Tamil Nadu, others are not utilising their full capacity and the matter has been flagged to them. 

Bhargava said the second phase of the ICMR sero survey is on in 70 districts and has been completed in 50. The results would be out in a couple of weeks, he added. 

Infections among healthcare workers 

Asked about Covid infection among healthcare workers, Bhushan said the rate is 18 per cent in Telangana, 16 per cent in Maharashtra, 14 per cent in Delhi, 13 per cent in Karnataka, 12 per cent in Puducherry, and 11 per cent in Delhi.

“We have drawn the attention of states to these numbers because these numbers raise concerns about hospital infection control practices, on which SOPs have already been laid out. We have also asked states to look at the localities where these healthcare workers come from and look at whether they need to be made into containment or buffer zones,” Bhushan said.


Also Read: Indiscipline, antigen tests & possible mutation behind Delhi Covid surge — expert panel chief


 

Subscribe to our channels on YouTube, Telegram & WhatsApp

Support Our Journalism

India needs fair, non-hyphenated and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. ThePrint – with exceptional reporters, columnists and editors – is doing just that.

Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.

Whether you live in India or overseas, you can take a paid subscription by clicking here.

Support Our Journalism

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular