There Is an Improvement in Doubling Rate of Coronavirus as Per Health Ministry

According to the Health Ministry, India’s recovery rate has shown good improvement as it has increased to 27.5% from 26% as on April 30. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stated that India has so far been able to stave off community transmission of COVID-19. He also expressed the hope that “behavioral changes” brought about by the infection could become the ”new normal” for a healthy society after the pandemic subsides.

Underlining the lockdown3.0, which has been extended till May 17, the Minister said health should be on the radar just as much as the economy. He added that the government has to do a balancing act.

“In pandemics such as COVID-19, the fear will always stay, historically it has been noted that if social distancing is not practiced when social mobility is allowed, chances of disease transmission may increase rapidly once restrictions are eased. Hence, in order to prevent such a situation and to maintain the benefits from lockdown, we should understand our social responsibility and ensure we behave responsibly as lockdown eases and keep diligently following all protocols and guidelines,” he specifically warned. 

“There is a fine line that we need to keep in mind; being complacent can lead to the emergence of new COVID-19 cases. Also, the emergence of cases in districts where no cases have been reported so far can lead to the imposition of fresh restrictions,” an official clarified. 

“Lockdown and containment efforts have surely given results, our challenge now is how to further improve these results, to further increase doubling time,” Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Lav Agarwal, cleared at the daily media briefing. He also said that since we are transitioning to a new normal, we need to compulsorily take care of wearing face masks/covers in public places and follow preventive measures outside containment zones as well. While buying essential items or meeting people in common areas, we should try to avoid crowded places. 

The present outcome ratio in the country stands at 90% versus 10%, which is a marked improvement compared to the ratio of 80% versus 20% as of April 17, 2020, he said, adding that it is important to develop a deeper understanding of COVID-19 treatment and focus on further improving the outcome ratio.

The official clearly mentioned that as lockdown is being eased in a staggered manner, it is imperative to continue rigorous containment, effective clinical management and infection prevention and control. 

Over to you

It is said that if we stay positive and united, India in a post-coronavirus future could well look back on the pandemic period as a ‘blessing in disguise’, respiratory and environmental hygiene, and practice it in their everyday lives.