Ludhiana: Even as the health authorities anticipate further surge in Covid-19 cases in Ludhiana district in the coming days, the number of samples being collected is much below the target of 5,200 set by them. They say they are not getting adequate number of people for testing.
A health department data suggests that the sampling has not reached even 3,300-mark in November month. In fact, on 15 days out of 24 this month, testing has been below 2,000-mark, while on six days, it was between 2,000 and 3,000 and on three days above 3,000-mark. The figures show that testing had dropped to as low as 1,280 on November 17 and it was 1,428 twice on November 4 and 16.
Going by the data, the Covid sampling was higher in September. Around the first week of the month, it had increased to 5,200. On September 5, 5,212 samples were collected by the health works and 5,102 a day after. Between September 10 and 20, 5,260 samples were collected on September 11, 5,217 on 13th, 5,311 on 17th and 5,521 on 18th. Maximum for the month 5,636 samples were collected on September 25.
The data further shows that in October, not once the samples collected had touched the target and crossed the 5,000-mark only twice — 5,009 on October 1 and 5,053 on October 7.
There has been a significant fall in testing ahead of the second surge anticipated around the second week of December, though the health department authorities say they are trying their best to increase it.
Civil surgeon Dr Rajesh Bagga said there is a need for greater awareness among the people, so that they come forward for testing. He added that they are soon going to get an IEC (information, education and communication) van for the purpose.
A health department officer involved in the sampling process said there is hesitation among the people, especially in rural areas, for getting themselves tested. They are trying to dispel their doubts and increase testing, as early treatment and effective contact tracing are the best ways to check the pandemic spread, he added.