Rise of Covid in Telangana: 10 new cases; 2 JN.1 cases so far

Hyderabad: As a sign of the resurgence of Covid-19 in the state, Telangana recorded a rise in Covid cases from the past week. Among the 10 new cases reported on Monday, nine are from Hyderabad and one is from Karimnagar district.

The comeback of Coronavirus, not just in Telangana but across India, is being attributed to a rapidly-spreading new Omicron sub-variant called JN.1. With the festive season in full swing and lots of domestic, inter-state and international travelling happening, cases are bound to escalate in the coming days.

As per the State government’s Covid status bulletin, there was just one positive case in Telangana on December 14, which increased to four positive cases on December 19, six cases on December 20, and on December 25, 10 Covid positive cases were added to the existing ones in a single day.

Also, as per the latest data in the state, 12 reports are awaited while 55 patients are currently under treatment in isolation.

Two-thirds of Covid cases in India due to JN.1, TS has two cases

Most of the Covid cases detected in the country belong to the fast-spreading JN.1 sub-variant. As per experts, 66 per cent of Covid positive cases or every two out of three cases are due to JN.1.

At present, the JN.1 variant has been detected in Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan and two cases were detected in Telangana. Globally, around 31 per cent of positive cases belonged to the JN.1 sub-variant.

Health minister discusses Covid preparedness

Recently, health minister Damodar Rajanarasimha held a review meeting with key officials of the health department including the health secretary, commissioner, medical superintendents and directors of tertiary hospitals of the city and lab in charge of Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD).

The discussion was centred around Covid cases and testing facilities. It was decided that steps should be taken to resolve the issues related to all non-functional PSA (Pressure Swing Absorption) oxygen-generating plants at the earliest, optimal utilisation of oxygen concentrators, assess the gap of ventilators and make all of them functional and all the heads of departments should submit requirement of consumables, equipment, drugs, diagnostics to Telangana State Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TSMSIDC). TSMSIDC would procure and supply RT-PCR kits, VTMs (Viral Transport Media) etc. to all facilities.

Sample collection and testing

The government has also decided to ramp up testing by month-end and achieve a target of 4,000 tests per day.

Over the last couple of weeks, a total of 6,344 samples had been collected (till December 22). All 34 government RT-PCR labs can test 16,500 samples per day. Additionally, there are 84 private labs in the state.

A total of 40 RT-PCR samples were received for whole genome sequence in the last week at CDFD. It takes about four to five days on average for genome sequencing. All RT-PCR-positive samples for genome sequencing would be sent to CDFD and Gandhi Hospital.

Public health advisory

Testing and treatment: Patients with moderate to severe symptoms, with or without Covid positive reports can go to any notified government Covid hospital where the government has made arrangements for testing and treatment. Based on the clinical requirements, beds will be provided and treatment will be given free of cost at government hospitals.

Vaccination doses: It is important to complete vaccination by taking both doses and it is also equally important to adhere to precautions against Covid, including wearing a face mask and maintaining physical distance of more than six feet between people in public places.

Vulnerable age groups: Children less than 10 years of age and elders above 60 years are advised to avoid going outdoors unless mandatory.

Susceptible age group: There is a higher incidence of Covid infection in the age group of 20 to 50 years of age. Hence people are requested to exercise due precaution while going to work/essential activities.

Mask, hand hygiene and social distancing

Workspaces: Offices and other professional spaces should provide employees with soap and hand washing facilities/sanitisers. Adequate physical distancing between employees should be maintained.

Avoid needless travel: The citizens are requested to avoid unnecessary travel. In case it is unavoidable, they should ensure all Covid-appropriate behaviours such as face masks, hand washing/use of sanitiser, physical distance etc.

Seek medical care: In case of any flu/influenza-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, running nose, difficulty in breathing, body pains and headache, please report to the nearest government health facility and seek health services without delay.

Co-morbidities: People with co-morbid conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiac illness, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and/or any other chronic illness have been requested to stay indoors and avoid any kind of travel except for medical care to avoid exposure to Covid.

Helpline numbers: The call centre number for helpline and grievances is 104. For grievances about private hospitals and laboratories, contact WhatsApp number 9030227324.