Daily growth of Covid-19 cases dip from 5.1% to 1% in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH: The daily growth of Covid-19 cases has reduced from 5.1% — the highest in the country — on August 26 to 1% that has placed the city at the 22th spot in the country. On September 26, Chandigarh was at the fifth position with 2.4%. The growth rate — at which the total reported cases grow on a daily basis — is lower than the national average of 1.2%. However, neighbouring state of Punjab has a less growth rate of 0.9%, whereas Haryana stands equal to Chandigarh with 1%.
A seven-day average of the daily growth is considered for analysis to minimise the effect of daily fluctuations in reported numbers. The data was analysed by Dr Rijo M John, a Keralabased health economist. Health experts said as there is social stigma attached with the coronavirus, people sometimes willingly not come forward for tests — one of the reasons for the decreasing trend of the growth rate.
They suggested people should come forward if they develop symptoms. “Timely diagnosis will ultimately help in reduction of mortality rate as well,” they added.
Recently, a team appointed by the ministry of health and family welfare had made some key observations and recommendations for the city after analysing its testing strategy and contact tracing. The team had highlighted problems in testing in Chandigarh, particularly in the south zone, as the area has the maximum cases and containment zones.
The city on Wednesday recorded two Covid-19 deaths and 127 new cases, raising the count to 12,820, with 1,448 active cases, and the toll to
182. The victims were a 60-year-old woman from Sector 33 having diabetes and a 70-year-old man from Manimajra having hypertension. As many as 155 patients were discharged, taking the recovery count to 11,190. As many as 83,413 tests have been conducted as of Wednesday.