COVID-19: Pune’s cases expected to surge; positivity rate now at 28 per cent

Pune:  The corona capital of the nation, Pune has recently crossed a grim mark of two lakh cases in the district. Pune also recorded the highest number of active cases. From the past three days, the numbers are soaring high as every day over 4,000 new cases are reported in the district. The Pune district which comprises of Pune city (Pune Municipal Corporation), Pimpri Chinchwad (Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation), Rural and Cantonment areas has witnessed 12,000 new cases in a span of three days.

The positivity rate of Pune now stands at 28 per cent. In simple terms, of the 100 people tested, 28 people are found positive for the novel coronavirus. The positivity rate is expected to fall below five per cent. However, the numbers are surging in the last few days. If this number is not reduced, the situation in Pune may deteriorate in the next four to eight days. The infection, which was at a peak in April, May was expected to decline in July, August and September but with more relaxations on the lockdown and no enough health care facilities in the district, the new cases are seen rising with a huge speed. The graph of the novel virus is not seen flattening its curve in the region.  

As the number of critical patients is not decreasing, there is a need for ICU and oxygen beds. There is already a shortage of such ventilator beds, as a result, many people are suffering and few have also lost their lives. 70 per cent of beds are reserved in private hospitals for coronavirus patients. With cases rising in the city, more beds may be reserved in private hospitals. The PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation) officials are trying to acquire more number of ICU and oxygenated beds.

According to the reports, at present, 6,500 people being tested every day. Pune Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar said, “The situation is serious. The cases have started rising with a rapid speed. One of the reasons for the surge is Ganesh Festival which was recently celebrated even in low grandeur. Also, the count of serious patients is not dropping. PMC is working round the clock to provide all facilities for the patients.”

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