Virus is down, but not out: 525 in grip, 20 die in 24 hours

LUCKNOW: The daily Covid-19 cases declined further on Sunday, but deaths spiked, indicating that the virus might be down, but not out.
In the past 24 hours, 525 people tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection and 20 succumbed to the complications triggered by the disease.
As many as 1,944 people, mostly asymptomatic or with mild symptoms, also recovered, bringing the number of patients with active infection down to 11,045.
The decline in cases has come as a big relief. Exactly a month ago, the pandemic had peaked with 6,598 cases. The transmission rate has now dropped by 13 times.
However, the threat is not over and experts have advised people to follow all precautions. Experts also said the decline in cases would translate into less casualties by next week.
Doctors attributed the downward turn of the curve to Covid curfew, vaccinations and increasing number of people following safety protocols.
The second wave that started on March 15 has been more infectious and deadlier than the first.
Overall, the second wave that started on March 15 has infected 1.5 lakh people and killed 1,074 so far. About 1.4 lakh patients also recovered in the same period.
Over 65% of the total 2.3 lakh cases and 47% of the total 2,246 deaths in the entire pandemic, took place in two months of the second wave so far.
Data shows that the working class, people in the age group of 20-60, were the most affected in the second wave in comparison to elderly in the first wave.
Further, the virus affected more men than women. Young population in the 20-29 age group, both male and female, had the highest infection rate.
ICCC helpline for counselling gets distress calls, queries: Two days after the Integrated Covid Command Centre (ICCC) opened a helpline (0522- 4523023) for Covid counselling on telephone, the centre received at least 12 distress calls on Sunday for psychosocial and mental stress caused by Covid-19 infection. The team also received 33 calls for medical assistance with queries for medicine doses and side-effects, while 14 calls were regarding corona test and inoculation, and one for sanitization.