Ludhiana: The number of Covid-19 deaths in the district has witnessed a slight fall for the second consecutive week after reaching the seven-month high. Meanwhile, a recent health department report shows that the district’s case fatality rate (CFR) for around a month has been below 1.6%, indicating that lesser number of persons died of the disease as compared with those who contracted it.
The data derived from state media bulletin shows that the number of deaths in Ludhiana during the last seven days (April 9 to 15) was 36. The figure was 38 in the preceding week (April 2 to 8). This year, the highest weekly fatality count was recorded between March 26 and April 1 at 54.
Since the start of the pandemic, the highest weekly casualty count (109) was registered between August 28 and September 3.
On the state’s seven-day casualty chart, Amritsar is at the top with 57 deaths, Hoshiarpur second (47) and Ludhiana third. Mansa is at the bottom as no Covid death was reported from there.
The health department authorities said there were many factors that worked.
Civil surgeon Dr Sukhjeevan Kakkar said, “During the first wave, the case fatality rate was more than 3. But now the same has been around 1.6, which means there are lesser deaths as compared with the cases. Our response and preparedness, including availability of infrastructure, have also improved.”
The department officials said fatalities could decrease further if positive patients report directly to hospitals and everybody followed Covid-appropriate behaviour.
Deputy commissioner Varinder Sharma said he was optimistic of the disease coming under control after a strong vaccination drive.