COVID-19: Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to have four serological surveys

Pune: Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao has said that Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad will be covered under four serological surveys to assess the spread of coronavirus in the cities.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER) and Persistent Foundation, in a tri-party agreement has already initiated a community serological survey a fortnight ago. The findings of this survey are expected to be published by August 20.

Apart from this survey, two more serological surveillance studies will be conducted to assess the presence of antibodies in people. These two surveys will be conducted by D Y Patil Medical College and National Institute of Virology (NIV). Earlier, B J Medical College attached with government-run Sassoon General Hospital had sought approval from the district administration to conduct another serological survey in the city.

Addressing media persons, Divisional Commissioner Rao said, "D Y Patil survey will cover the entire Pimpri and Chinchwad area. The area of focus for the serological survey by NIV is yet to be decided."

"The first survey by IISER is almost over. The remaining three by DY Patil College, NIV and Sassoon hospital will be done in the coming days. Both cities will be extensively covered in the four serosurveys," Rao informed.

The community-based sero-survey helps identify the presence of antibodies among vulnerable populations. The positivity rate is crucial in containing the spread of the coronavirus as it also indicates the total population affected by the contagion. So far, the positivity rate in Pune district has hovered over 20 per cent.

The first serosurvey has started from July 30. On the first day itself, 1500 samples of citizens from slum and non-slum pockets from five wards of the PMC were collected. The sampling is being done randomly. IISER has given a deadline of August 20. The Persistent Foundation has provided funding for serological survey activity in Pune city.