Mask up, urge officials as Covid cases rise by 56% in a week in Telangana

HYDERABAD: Even as he assured that there is no threat of a fourth wave-like situation of Covid-19 in the state, Telangana's director of public health (DPH) Dr G Srinivasa Rao on Friday urged people to return to the protocol of wearing masks while stepping out of their homes, offices and public places.
Citing a 56% increase in weekly cases, Dr Rao said at a press conference that with active caseload at 811 there is a need to wear masks.
"However, with no new variant, there is no concern for the fourth wave either in the state or the country. There is a spike in positive cases though," the DPH said.
He said there is nothing to feel alarmed about as the symptoms are mild and there are few hospitalisation.
"The surge in the cases will continue for four to six weeks. The spike in positive cases will keep occurring in future also, but if people do not follow protocols and do not take the jabs in time, a situation may arise where enforcement agencies will fine those for not wearing masks," he warned.
After a 10-week hiatus, the daily caseload has surpassed 100, with majority of cases reported in Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri districts.
Talking about the symptoms, Dr Rao said they are similar to influenza with a mild cold, cough, headache, body pains and loss of smell and taste.
People should differentiate among these symptoms and isolate themselves for five days, “he said. The DPH, however, expressed concern about the low rate of vaccination among schoolchildren, particularly in cities, though vaccination is completed in 90% of the state.
“From June 3, people were vaccinated at their doorsteps and approximately, 83,000 people received doses in this manner. But, many parents and school administrators in Hyderabad are negligent,” he said. Dr Rao also gave an update on daily testing. “The court has advised us to increase daily tests. Even when our daily cases were only about 50, we did more than 10,000 tests. Unless more suspected cases are reported we cannot increase the tests. In neighbouring states, the daily tests are below 3,000,” he said. “We are in contact with education department as the schools are reopening soon,” Dr Rao added.