Ludhiana: Covid-19 cases reported in the district in the past week were the highest in six months.
The latest health department data shows that between March 14 and 20, as many as 1,759 new cases were registered. This is the highest after September 13-19 last year when 2,802 cases were reported. The cases between March 7 and 13 were about 93% less than the preceding week.
The weekly case data since July 6 last shows that after reaching the highest value of 2,802 cases between September 13 and 19, the number fell to 523 between October 11 and 17 and 325 between October 25 and 31 last. It increased to 439 between November 1 and 7; 610 between November 8 and 14 and 696 from November 22 to 28 last. Thereafter, the figure decreased to 196 cases between January 10 and 16 before again rising to 287 during January 31 to February 6; 332 from February 14 to 20 and 912 between March 7 and 13.
On the weekly case count chart, Ludhiana with 1,759 cases is second in the state. Jalandhar is at the top with 2,046 cases and Hoshiarpur third (1,714). Barnala has the lowest number of 58.
The district administration says Ludhiana is witnessing the second wave of pandemic.
Civil surgeon Dr Sukhjivan Kakkar says the cases are increasing as people are not following Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.
Residents want the authorities to step up checks.
“The authorities must ensure that at least in busy markets, both customers and shopkeepers wear masks and maintain social distancing,” says Amandeep Singh, a city resident.