Hyderabad: In what is some good news amidst gloomy times, health officials have said there is a clearly visible downward trend of Covid infections, fatalities and hospital admissions across Telangana.
The trend is being attributed to a combination of factors including two weeks of night curfew, a series of containment strategies implemented by the State government and Covid-19 precautions wholeheartedly embraced by the public, Director of Public Health Dr G Srinivasa Rao said here on Thursday.
“The imposition of the lockdown across the State has just started. In another two-three weeks, we can see a further drop in Covid infections, hospital admissions, positivity rate and fatalities. In terms of containing the second wave, we are clearly making gains,” Dr Rao said while interacting with the media here.
The State government is consistently conducting 70,000 Covid tests on a daily basis but there is no clear indication of a rise in positivity rate. “At present, there are close to 56,000 active Covid cases in Telangana who are receiving treatment. Our projections reveal that if people continue to be cautious, then due to the lockdown, in the next few weeks, the second wave will be under control,” he said.
Dr. Rao urged the public not to fritter away the gains by unnecessarily rushing out in large numbers during the lockdown relaxation hours of 6 am to 10 am.
“Multiple family members are venturing out during the relaxation time. What is the need for so many individuals to come out so early in the day? Can’t just one member of a family step out and purchase essential needs for the family? Despite financial losses, the State government is implementing the lockdown to save precious lives. It is our responsibility to ensure that we do not lose the gains made in the last few weeks,” he said.
Vaccine 2nd dose till month end
The Health Department will continue to administer the second dose of Covid-19 vaccines to individuals above 45 years till May 31.
Eligible beneficiaries including frontline workers, healthcare personnel and persons above 45 years can walk in to the nearest Government Covid Vaccination Centres between 9 am and 4 pm and get vaccinated.
The health authorities said that there are 15 lakh individuals who are yet to receive the second dose. Beneficiaries will have to produce their Aadhaar card (identify proof) and print-out of the partial vaccination certificate. The police have been directed to allow such individuals to travel for vaccination.