Nagpur: Doctors treating Covid patients have observed that those testing positive and requiring hospitalization are mainly from posh localities. The observation comes in the backdrop of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) move to focus on what it calls ‘superspreaders’ such as vendors, security guards, milkman, vegetable sellers and house maid and nine emerging hotspots.
At least five of the emerging hotspots have posh localities beside plush venues for big functions.
One of the reasons being attributed for fresh Covid-19 surge in the city is large number of marriages and socializing without following Covid norms in halls, lawns and hotels.
Doctors say that there are big turnouts in closed spaces where guests are not seen following any preventive measure. The civic body has so far failed to check crowding at any type of function.
GMCH medical superintendent Dr Avinash Gawande said he is observing that many middle and upper class people are testing positive. “This is mainly because people are mingling a lot during occasions like marriage ceremonies, public meetings etc. The cap on invitees has been extended to 300 but in reality many more are attending the functions,” he said.
Pulmonologist and CMD of KRIMS Dr Ashok Arbat said people stayed safe by not venturing out during the lockdown days. “But when cases declined and vaccination started, a false sense of safety developed that medicine is available and there is no need to worry about Covid. Hence, they are not hesitating to attend functions even at crowded places.”
Dr Arbat added that open spaces are still better option as compared to closed venues. “People are in contact with each for a longer period. Another thing is they feel that they can get cured at home. But when hospitalized, they complain of cough, fever and breathlessness. Percentage of elderly is more,” he said.
Dr Hema Dhoble, head of Covid Unit at Suretech Hospital, Jamtha, said she feels only the middle class is following norms as they have limited resources. “Socializing, travelling, leisure trips and marriages have resumed like in pre-Covid days. Marriage ceremonies are being held with pomp and show in slums as well as swanky venues. Who is infecting whom is not clear,” she said.
Dr Tushar Gawad, director of administration at Alexis Multispeciality Hospital, said people are testing positive from across socio-economic background. Asked about the ratio of Covid admissions, he said, “Forty per cent are from lower or middle class while 50-60% are from upper middle class. Also, upper middle class is more aware and have better access to diagnostics as well as treatment, thereby skewing the average,” he said.
Infobox — Action taken
* Marriage ceremonies
Feb 15 | NMC slapped a fine of Rs5,000 on two lawns
Dec 1 to 22 | Rs1.20 lakh on 11 lawns and 64 individuals
(Jan to Feb data not available)
* Fined for no mask
Sep 2020 to Feb 15
Rs200 per offence | Rs10.94lakh from 5,470 cases
Rs500 per offence | Rs1.32 crore from 26,448 cases
+++++++++++++++
Hospitalized — 822
593 in private hospitals
229 in government hospitals