Covid positivity rate near zero in Dharwad

HUBBALLI: With the district administration ramping up measures to contain the spread of infections, especially with a third wave anticipated, the positivity rate in Dharwad now varies between 1% and near zero daily.
Dharwad district reported a positivity rate of 30-35% till the end of June, registering anywhere between 1,000 and 1,200 cases daily during the peak of the second wave. However, in the past couple of months, the number of fresh cases has dipped significantly and has been in single digits over the past couple of weeks.
On Monday, the district reported only one fresh case, taking its active cases to 130.
Nitesh Patil, district deputy commissioner, told TOI: “We have ramped up health infrastructure and testing capacities and have also stepped up measures like tracing and treating infected people to curb the spread of the virus. Although cases have come down in the district, we continue to test around 2,800 to 3,000 people daily. Besides, we have also expedited vaccinations. We have inoculated more than eight lakh people in the district.”
Patil said the district administration, together with the police, is also ensuring Covid-appropriate behaviour is strictly followed.
“We have intensified enforcement drives in collaboration with the police and HDMC and impose fines on people who do not wear masks or maintain social distancing,” he said. “We have taken steps to provide timely treatment to those suspected to have the infection as well as trace primary and secondary contacts of infected people.”
In a bid to prevent a third wave, he said the district has banned installation of Lord Ganesha idols in public places as a precautionary measure and to avoid people gathering in large numbers. “We hold frequent meetings with the health department, police and other departments to review the situation and to take steps as the need arises,” Patil said.