Weekly Covid toll falls to 151

Ludhiana: There has been a fall in the number of Covid-19 deaths reported in seven days in the district.
Data derived from the state media bulletin shows the virus claimed 151 lives from May 14 to 20. In the preceding week (May 7 to 13), the toll was 174, which is 13.2% more than the last seven days.
The number of deaths was 134 between April 30 and May 6; 83 from April 23 to 29; 46 between April 16 and 22; 36 from April 9 to 15; 38 during April 2 to 8.
Since the pandemic outbreak, record 109 deaths were registered between August 28 and September 3 last. The district’s toll was the highest in May 7-13 week.
On the state’s weekly Covid casualty list, Bathinda is at the top with 160 fatalities, Ludhiana second and Amritsar third (113). Taran Tarn logged the lowest number of deaths (16).
A health department official said, “Deaths are coming down slightly. But more casualties are due to severe virus strain in circulation. Toll will come down drastically if people adopt Covid-appropriate behaviour, including wearing of mask, maintain social distancing and avoiding crowded places.”
Health experts said deaths were expected to fall in coming days.
“As the cases are decreasing, deaths are also likely to fall. Apparently, the strain in circulation has resulted in more fatalities due to severe reaction in people,” said former Ludhiana Indian Medical Association president Dr Sunil Katyal.
Civil surgeon Dr Kiran Ahluwalia was not available for comments.