Half of Noida’s Covid cases have come in just two weeks

Noida: A weekly analysis of Covid numbers in Noida shows that about half of the district’s total cases have been reported in the past fortnight.
Between June 22 and July 5, 1,346 people have been found to have Covid in Noida, which accounts for almost 49% of the total cases (2,765) reported in the district so far. Noida has the highest number of Covid cases in the state, followed by Ghaziabad.
The first 1,400 cases in Noida had come in 16 weeks, while the other half was added in the past two weeks. The last week, between June 22 and 28, saw the biggest spike in cases — 732, which means an average of more than 100 patients a day.
Residents called for stricter containment measures, such as better contact tracing, early isolation and sampling.
“Contact tracing and random tests are a major cause for concern across Noida. In Arun Vihar, several cases have been reported, but no contact tracing is happening here. They are neither putting barricades around the house where a person has tested positive nor a poster,” said Colonel Shashi Vaid (retired), president of the Arun Vihar RWA that covers sectors 27, 28 and 37. According to him, Arun Vihar has so far reported 49 cases, of which 12 are active.
Officials attributed the rising numbers to easing of restrictions. They said people should come forward to get themselves tested if they develop symptoms as early detection is the key to keeping the fatality rate low.
“The number of cases will increase since testing has been scaled up. We are testing more people with ILI and SARI symptoms and their primary contacts. Our goal is to manage those with comorbidities. It is good if more cases are being identified and treated early. This will prevent patients from getting serious,” said Suhas LY, the district magistrate.
He added that the health department was isolating everyone who has tested positive within 24 hours of getting information. The DM, however, appealed to residents to voluntarily report symptoms. “Sometimes, private labs take time to report cases. If people test positive at private facilities, they can contact our district helpline number and they will be isolated at the earliest. People should take responsibility, too, so that the chain of infection is broken,” Suhas LY said.
The relief for Noida, though, is its low case fatality rate (CFR). With 2,765 cases till Sunday and 28 deaths, Noida has a CFR of just 1%. Along with Chennai so far, Noida has the lowest CFR in the country among cities that have reported more than 2,000 cases.