Central health dept asks TS to gear up as Covid-19 cases rise

Hyderabad: Covid-19 cases in Telangana increased from 5.67% to 7.31% in the first week of 2022 (till 5 August), according to the Central ministry of health and family welfare. Four districts – Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Warangal Urban, and Medchal Malkajgiri – reported an increase in Covid cases.

In the first week of August, Covid-19 cases in Telangana crossed the 1000-mark as the state reported 1,054 cases on 2 August and 1,061 cases on 4 August.

Due to this reason, Central health secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to the TS health department asking them to increase testing and vaccination and strictly implement Covid-appropriate behaviour in the state.

Covid-19 cases in July stood at 678 average cases per day. TS saw a jump in daily average new cases in August by 1.28 times. The daily medical health bulletin of the state recorded 712 cases on 29 July and 908 cases on 5 August.

The increase in weekly positivity rate to 7.31% is worrying. The Central health ministry has observed that the state has not filled the Covid-19 Hotspot form in the last six months. This is essential, said Mr. Bhushan in his letter and added that this gap must be addressed swiftly. Quick and continuous update of data will assist in tracking and monitoring the cases and also help to strategise better in terms of containing the cases.

More testing and vigilance

Here are the recommendation and remarks of the Central ministry of health and family welfare:

· 12 districts have reported a decline in testing from 28 July to 4 August. The districts are Mulugu, Khammam, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Narayanpet, Suryapet, Jagitial, Wanaparthy, Medchal Malkajgiri, Ranga Reddy, Jogulamba Gadwal, and Hyderabad.

· With various festivals coming up in the next few months, there will be mass gatherings and also interstate travel. The state must be vigilant for which more testing is required.

· Closely monitor districts that are reporting a higher number of cases, positivity rates, and clusters to prevent further spread of infection and for effective case management.

· Report influenza and severe acute respiratory cases in all districts and health centres.

· Genome sequencing must be carried out in health centres and clusters that are being observed in the state. Samples from sewage are also to be collected to understand viral shedding.

· Increase the pace of Covid-19 vaccination.

· Test, track, treat, and ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour to control the increasing cases.

Due to congregations, increased interstate travel, and increased human activities, monitoring the situation during festival times is important to contain the cases. While the cases are mild, there are those with co-morbid conditions and reduced immunity who are developing secondary diseases of heart, skin, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal problems, explained doctors.