Coimbatore: Fresh Covid-19 cases are on the rise in the district, where 583 people were tested positive for the virus on Friday. The tally now stands at 65,993, just seven short of another milestone of 66,000-mark.
With 622 patients getting discharged from treatment centres, the number of active cases slightly came down to 4,402 on the day. The Covid-19 toll, however, increased to 706, with one more patient succumbing to the virus.
The death rate in the second wave has begun inching upwards slowly. The number of deaths in the first half of April has already surpassed that of March, when 11 people had succumbed to the virus, and tied at the February toll of 12. While the health department officials are maintaining that the mortality rate of Covid-19 patients has reduced drastically, private hospitals say the death rate is same as in the previous peak.
Referring to the death rate so far this month, health officials say it is a tiny fraction of the number of deaths seen when the first wave was peaking in August, September and October last year.
An official, who didn’t want to be named, said, “There were 254 Covid-19 deaths in August, 128 in September and 122 in October. During these months, the district used to record 500 to 650 cases a day, like what it is registering today. Hence, it is evident that the death rate has dropped drastically. Chances of the district touching the last October’s mortality rate by this month-end is also a non-possibility.”
Officials estimate that the highest Covid toll that the district might record in April would be 40, on a par with the last December figures.
However, private hospital doctors and epidemiologists warn against people taking the virus lightly. “The death rate is the same as during the first wave. With the new cases beginning to spike, the number of deaths has also started going up,” said Dr A Murali, Covid-19 nodal officer, PSG Hospital.
Infectious diseases specialist, Dr Varun Sundaramoorthy, expressed a similar view. “We are seeing the same number of deaths, despite the improved understanding of the virus’ behaviour, well-established treatment protocols and better management techniques. There is no doubt that the virus has grown more aggressive and infected people as young as 29 years now require ICU care.” According to him, 40% of the youngsters requiring ICU treatment and oxygen support does not have any comorbidities.
Dr P Kulandaisamy, former public health deputy director who had earlier predicted the second wave would be deadlier than the first wave, said the youngsters with symptoms must get tested immediately. “They might have been vaccinated. It doesn’t, however, matter. They should monitor their oxygen saturation levels and ensure they don't infect the elderly at home.”