Covid-19 is not severe this time in Telangana
Following the rise of Covid-19 infections in other Indian States, the Public Health department in Telangana State on Monday maintained that the situation is not so that grave as to warrant the launch of a mass Covid-19 testing and surveillance and drive
Hyderabad: Even as multiple States have reported 1,009 active Covid-19 cases and seven fatalities, senior health officials in Telangana State on Tuesday reassured the public that there is no need to panic, stating that the new Covid-19 cases are the result of seasonal transition and are not severe.
Following the rise of Covid-19 infections in other Indian States, the Public Health department in Telangana State on Monday maintained that the situation is not so that grave as to warrant the launch of a mass Covid-19 testing and surveillance and drive.
“At this juncture, we are waiting and monitoring the situation closely. While new Covid-19 cases are getting reported in other Indian States, so far the situation is under control. Even the positive cases are not that severe. We are, however, closely monitoring the situation. There is also no special advisory from the union Health Ministry over surveillance and testing of new infections,” said Director of Public Health (DPH) Dr B Ravinder Nayak to Telangana Today.
On Monday, the Director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Rajiv Behl, said that despite the rise of Covid-19 infections, there is nothing to worry about, as the cases are so far nor severe.
The top ICMR scientist said that there might be a need to increase vigilance and preparedness in case of a surge in cases. The seriousness of the situation will depend on how quickly Covid-19 infections are increasing, the DG said, adding that during earlier Covid-19 pandemics, cases used to get doubled in a day or even earlier, but this time it is not the case.
The DPH, Telangana State pointed out there is little evidence of Covid-19 infections proving fatal to large number of people. Senior health officials in Hyderabad believe that there is no longer dire need to specifically designate Covid-19 wards or beds, just like there are no such special arrangements for patients who fall sick with influenza or other seasonal infections.
“I don’t believe that there is any need to panic and take knee jerk reactions. Despite reports of deaths, at present, the current cases are no cause of major concern. However, people must continue to take basic precautions from seasonal diseases at individual level,” the DPH pointed out.
The DPH urged general public to take basic precautions during the ongoing seasonal transition from summer to monsoons. “During transition from summer to monsoons, due to significant temperature drop, the body will take time to acclimatize. During this time, there is every chance of people falling sick. Therefore, general precautions are important,” Dr Nayak added.
