Surat:
After a brief lull, the number of Covid-19 cases in the city appear to be rising gradually even as vaccination targets have been achieved and the next phase begins today.
It is feared that the political rallies in the run up to the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) polls and marriages could potentially halt the downward spiral in infections that has been witnessed over the last one week.
SMC is gearing up to start the second dose of the vaccination from Monday for healthcare workers who had taken the first dose in the earlier round, but the slight increase in the number of Covid-19 cases has become a cause of concern.
In the last week, the number of positive cases has doubled in the city to 49 as on February 13. However, there have been no Covid deaths in the last 10 days.
In fact, SMC has issued an advisory to people asking them to wear masks while attending public functions like weddings and other gatherings. "People are avoiding wearing masks while attending public functions, which resulted in an increased number of Covid-19 cases in the city again. Moreover, there are a number of marriage functions to be held on February 15 and February 16 in Surat city. We advise wedding organizers not to permit entry into the venues to all those who are not wearing masks. Boards of 'No Masks No Entry' should be put up to halt the spread of virus,'' SMC said in a statement.
Close to 1,247 healthcare workers, who had taken the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine on January 16, will take the second dose on February 15.