Gloomy April: Telangana reports 1,34,584 COVID cases, 611 deaths in one month

Last 15 days have been the nastiest with the state reporting 1,01,475 positive cases and 515 deaths.

The only silver lining was that the state reported 60,284 recoveries. Still, the state has 78,888 COVID-19 active cases.

Since March 2, 2020, when the state reported the first case till March 31, 2021, Telangana recorded 3,08,776 infections and 1701 deaths. Around 3,01,564 citizens also recovered during that period.

While the state has tested 27,72,875 samples in April, the average positivity rate for the month stands at 4.85 percent.

In the meantime, the infection has spread to rural districts.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) areas were showing cases in three digits, while twelve districts were reporting daily infections in single digits before April. By April end, except five, all districts have cases in three digits, while GHMC areas have in four digits.

Cases after night curfew

Amid a surge in cases, the Telangana government announced a 'night curfew' from April 20 to April 30, 2021, to contain the spread of the virus. The night curfew was to remain in force from 9 pm to 5 am.

However, the state reported 75,459 new cases and 436 deaths after the night curfew was imposed. During night curfew, the state has reported the highest-ever cases. On April 26, the state reported 10,122 cases. On April 20, the state conducted the highest test. However, the test rate in the state has now dropped. On April 30, the state tested only 77,930 citizens.

The test positivity rate on April 20 was only around five percent. On April 28, 29 & 30, the test positivity rate was 9.9 percent.

The state imposed a night curfew to contain the virus, but the cases are increasing by the hour.

GIS / Map report on the status- District wise increase/decrease in Cases, Containment Zones & Beds

The Map depicts the status of the cases in the week 23-30 April.

24 Districts indicated in shades of the blue show a reducing trend. Likewsie, the eastern belt of Khammam, Bhadradri, Mahbubabad, Mulug show a reducing trend. Medchal- Malkjagiri, GHMC reflect reducing pattern.

The red areas indicate an increase in the cases, a pattern can be seen in the south Nagarkurnool, Nalgondand Suryapet. The district cluster of Siddipet, WarngalJagtial and Karimnagar show an increasing pattern. Nine districts show an increasing trend.

The numbers on the map, placed at districts indicate Cases (as of 30 April), Containment Zones(CZs) and Beds respectively. GHMC area shows, 1441 cases, 33 zones making for a case of good dispersal across the 150 wards. For instance, Mulugdistrct with 35 cases and 14 CZs is a better area. More cases and fewer CZs would mean closer clusters. Nizamabad with 330 cases today and only 1 CZ have to be verified.

Map prepared by Major Shiva Kiran, PhD-Development Studies & K Venugopal- GIS Engineer