Covid rears its head again: After 3 months, daily cases cross 100 in AP

Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a spike in COVID-19 cases After three months, the daily caseload touched 576. On Sunday, the state reported 102 positive cases. The last time the state reported 100 cases was in March. Visakhapatnam has the highest caseload of 150. However, the active cases in Andhra Pradesh are fewer compared to other states.

According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data, Kerala recorded the highest number of active cases at 27772, followed by 24608 in Maharastra, 7458 in Tamil Nadu, 4939 in Delhi, 4438 in Karnataka, and 3762 in Telangana.

Public ignore symptoms

In the last few weeks, cases of fever, and cold have been reported in many hospitals. Doctors have advised patients for the COVID-19 test and CT scan. The same situation was witnessed during the third wave when cases increased slowly. "There is a rise in cases in the state. We suspect it to be the Omicron variant. People have mild symptoms like fever and cold. But many of them are not coming forward for COVID-19 tests. They go for self-isolation or just brush it as 'fever'", said Director of Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) Dr. Rambabu.

"Many schools have reopened after vacation. There are chances that the virus may spread. We request the public to go for booster dose to avoid severity", he added.

Fourth wave?

Medical experts have gone into overdrive to create awareness and convince people to follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour. Health Department has also fast-tracked vaccination drive in the state. According to health officials, the fourth wave might not be severe. "We are keeping a close watch on border districts like Visakhapatnam, and Chittoor, which have high chances of facing the ripple effect of neighboring states. Depending on the situation, we will alert the state administration to go for strict COVID-19 protocols in every district", said Public Health Director Dr. Hymavathi.