Virus on decline: Doubling rate 105 days in district

Ludhiana: There is some good news on Covid-19 front. The doubling rate has been more than 105 days in the district for the past many days. The doubling rate is the number of days it takes for the cases to double based on the past seven-day growth rate.
As per the recent state media bulletin released by the health department, the doubling rate for Ludhiana district was 106, which is 20 points more than on October 4, when it was 85. As compared with September 25, the doubling rate is more by 51 days.
The latest bulletin suggests that with a doubling rate of 106, Ludhiana is at seventh position among the districts of the state, with Patiala with 148 days at number one spot. Sangrur is at number two position with the rate of 139 days, Barnala at number three (138 days), Moga at number four (130 days), Fatehgarh Sahib at number five (115 days) and Ferozepur at number six (110 days). Kapurthala had lowest doubling rate of 46 days.
The local health department says the doubling rate had been witnessing a gradual increase since July 9, but there was an intermittent decrease as well. The data suggests that doubling rate for Ludhiana was 15.7 days on July 9, which increased to 18 days till July 17, but dropped to 12 days on July 31.
As per the data, the doubling rate increased to 16 days from 13 days from August 1 to 15. It increased further from 18 days on August 17 to 28 days on August 31.
As per the state health department, the doubling rate increased from 37 days on September 2 to 39 on September 15, then reached 55 days on September 25 and was recorded at 100 on October 7, before reaching the current value.
Health department authorities say maybe the peak is over. Civil surgeon Dr Rajesh Bagga says there is a decline in pandemic and increased testing, extensive contact tracing and awareness have helped in achieving this change.
He warns that people should follow norms and wear masks, maintain social distancing, hand hygiene and go out only if necessary.