HUBBALLI: From an alarming situation where the number of active
Covid-19 cases were increasing across all districts in
North Karnataka, the recent sharp decline in cases has brought some relief.
This is the first time in the last one month that cases are declining considerably in each district in the region. If the trend continues for some more days, the region could see a flattening of the Covid-19 graph, say experts.
Most districts, which used to report 80 to 450 new cases a day, are now reporting 20 to 60 cases.
The district administrations ramping up testing, creating awareness on wearing masks, maintaining social distance, banning mass gatherings, imposing fine for not wearing masks and other measures have helped control the surge of Covid-19 cases. All districts have increased daily testing from 200 - 250 to 1,200 - 2,200.
Dharwad deputy commissioner Nitesh Patil told TOI, “We increased the number of beds to treat patients in collaboration with private hospitals and conducted 2,500 tests per day. We have created awareness among people to maintain social distance, wear masks and avoid gatherings. Contract tracing has helped a lot to control cases.”
Ballari DC SS Nakul said, “We are conducting 2,500 to 2800 tests a day, have intensified awareness programmes at the grass root level and are subjecting each suspected person to test immediately while also providing timely treatment.”
Gadag DHO Dr Satish Basarigidad said, “we are now collecting more than 1,000 samples daily and educating people to visit a hospital if they have any Covid symptoms. As on November 4, Gadag has reported 1% positivity rate and 98% recovery rate.”
Remain cautious, say experts
Many officials and experts, however, have warned that people should not be relaxed and complacent over the declining number of cases as winter has already set in and Deepavali is approaching. If people fail to wear masks and maintaining social distance, it could prove costly as cases may rise again. People should be very cautious and take all precautions at least for the next six months to achieve zero cases, they said.