NAGPUR: The number of
Covid-19 positive cases is higher in posh areas during the
second wave of the pandemic in the city, which is in complete contrast to the first wave witnessed last year when more cases infection were reported from crowded and slum areas.
Moreover, the district has registered 23,011 cases of novel coronavirus infection in the 15 days of March.
The district had registered its first case from a posh area — Bajaj Nagar — on March 11, 2020, followed by a few more cases from Khamla in
Laxmi Nagar zone and Jaripatka in Mangalwari zone of
NMC.
Thereafter,
Covid cases were being reported from Satranjipura, Naik Talao-Bangladesh falling under Satranjipura zone, Mominpura, Tandapeth and adjoining areas under Gandhibagh zone. During the peak of the pandemic in August and September last year, infection cases were being reported from across the city, but a majority were from crowded and slum areas of Gandhibagh, Satranjipura, Ashi Nagar, Nehru Nagar and Lakadganj zones.
After decline in cases from October to second week of February, the district is witnessing second wave from third week of February and the rise in cases became more prominent since the commencement of March.
As per Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) data, the city has recorded 17,933 cases in 14 days of March. Zone-wise least cases during the second wave — 485 (2.7%) — are from Satranjipura, followed by Lakadganj 927 (5.17%). Ashi Nagar zone reported third lowest cases at 1,280 (7.14%). Gandhibagh zone comes fourth with 1,436 cases (8.01%), followed by Nehru Nagar 1,778 (9.91%).
Highest cases are from Laxmi Nagar zone, comprising several posh areas. This zone has registered 2,836 (15.81%) cases, majority of them from Dhantoli, Pande Layout, Trimurti Nagar, Laxmi Nagar localities.
Over 30 Covid patients were detected from a society in Dhantoli, following which NMC has sealed the entire housing complex a day ago.
With 2,649 (14.77%) cases, Mangalwari zone is having second highest number of Covid patients as of now.
Hanuman Nagar and Dharampeth zones have reported third and fourth highest cases — 2,406 (13.42%) and 2,244 (12.51%), respectively.
In Dharampeth zone, majority of cases are from Ramdaspeth, Civil Lines, Dharamperh, Gokulpeth,
Gandhi Nagar, Corporation Colony,
Shivaji Nagar, Khare Town etc, all considered as posh localities.
Fifth highest cases — 1,892 (10.55%) are from Dhantoli zone and particularly from a few posh housing societies.
NMC officials told TOI, “This time, the spread is high in posh areas due to congregation, marriage ceremonies, events, crowding in market places etc. Therefore, various types of restrictions have been imposed on selected activities.”
This is also probably the reason behind higher number of positive patients in home isolation.
The surge in cases has continued in the district. On Monday, 2,297 cases were registered, which was highest on a single day in the second wave. Also, it was the second highest since the beginning of the pandemic in march last year. Highest 2,343 cases were reported on September 13 last year.
Cases were above 2,250 for three consecutive days with 2,261 on March 13 and 2,252 on March 14. It is for the first time in the pandemic that the district has witnessed over 2,000 Covid patients for three consecutive days.
The cases surged to 23,011 in 15 days of March, which is higher than that registered in all months, excluding August and September. Last two weeks of August were part of the peak then. Total number of cases in entire August was 24,163, which is certain to be surpassed on Tuesday.
TABLE
Cases In City From March 1-14
Zone------------------------Cases----------%
Laxmi Nagar -------------2,836-----------15.81
Dharampeth-------------2,244------------12.51
Hanuman Nagar--------2,406------------13.42
Dhantoli-------------------1,892------------10.55
Nehru Nagar-------------1,778------------9.91
Gandhibagh--------------1,436-------------8.01
Satranjipura--------------485----------------2.7
Lakadganj-----------------927---------------5.17
Ashi Nagar----------------1,280-------------7.14
Mangalwari----------------2,649-------------14.77
Total-------------------------17,933