Coimbatore logs double-digit Covid cases after weeks

COIMBATORE: After many weeks, the district reported new Covid-19 cases in double-digit on Friday and Saturday, as per a government bulletin released on Sunday. Out of 572 people tested in the district on Saturday, results of 10 returned positive. As of Saturday, total infections in the district stood at 58.
The district has been reporting more cases than Chennai for the past few days. The positivity rate stood at 1.7%, which was the highest in the state, on Saturday.
The district reported zero case in most of the days of February. On March 1, two new cases were reported. Since then, the number of reported new cases has been gradually increasing, causing concerns among the district health authorities.
District deputy director of health services P Aruna said there is no need to panic, but asked people to take precautionary measures and follow Covid-appropriate behaviours.
“The numbers have been gradually increasing. We are closely monitoring the situation. Although the present rise is a cause for concern, there is no need to panic. Infection numbers have not attained the outbreak status. A situation will be considered as an outbreak when the numbers multiply,” she said.
The reason for increasing positivity rate could be increase in the number of testing as people with influenza-like illness are being tested for Covid-19, she said
People should wear masks in public places and wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus. “People who have symptoms should isolate themselves. Awareness will be created on standard operating procedures in public places. However, no fine is imposed for not wearing mask in public places. Wearing mask will also prevent spread of flu,” she said.