Med experts sound warning as Covid cases spike in central TN

Med experts sound warning as Covid cases spike in central TN

No. Of Cases Up By 500 In Just 2 Weeks

Gokul.Rajendran@timesgroup.com

21.06.2020

Trichy: As the number of Covid-19 cases crossed 1,500 from 1,000 in the central region in just about two weeks, public health experts have sounded a note of caution at the growing complacency among the people in following preventive measures as the lockdown is relaxed. The doctors have predicted a spike in infection rate in the days to come.

On June 7, the region had 1,007 cases with Trichy district contributing 15 cases while on June 19, the tally touched 1,522 as 63 new patients were added to the count. Ariyalur remained on top with 414 cases while Trichy and Thanjavur crossed 200 plus cases. Karur, Perambalur, Nagappattinam and Tiruvarur clocked over 100 cases except Pudukottai which has recorded 69 cases so far.

While the contribution of Chennai returnees to the district could be an obvious reason for the spike, public health department doctors say the callous attitude of the people in following precautionary measures is also to be blamed. The mortality was comparatively lower in central region in the state as it recorded one death each of Covid-19 patients in Trichy, Pudukottai and Thanjavur.

A senior public health officer who requested anonymity said, “Chennai returnees are not the only reason for the increase of cases. People are unmindful of the fastspreading virus, mortality and other consequences. High-risk category people are more exposed to the virus after the lockdown,” said a senior doctor. Former president of Indian Medical Association (IMA) Dr N Balasubramanian said people should understand the severity of the issue and cooperate with frontline health workers and the police.

“Healthy people are roaming about in the town and crossing borders clandestinely. They are posing a risk to the high risk category people,” said Balasubramanian. Other doctors pointed out that social distancing, wearing masks and hand washing were considered unnecessary by several people. “They are under the impression that returnees from Chennai, other states and foreign countries are quarantined but they should realize the virus may be prevalent everywhere,” said a senior doctor.

NO SAFETY IN NUMBERS: Ever since the lockdown norms were relaxed, there has been a growing complacency among people in Trichy (in photo) and in other places, resulting in a spike of Covid cases in the central region