Chandigarh logs 229 Covid cases, sees 367% spike in five days

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 5

In the fastest surge, the city recorded a new high as it logged 229 cases today, the highest since May 24 last year when 245 cases were reported. On December 31, the city had recorded 49 cases and it has seen a rise of 367 per cent in the cases in five days. In the last surge, it took 24 days for the city to cross the 200 mark.

The city recorded 95 average cases in the past week, while the positivity rate stood at 6 per cent in the past seven days. There are 675 active cases in the city, of which 52 are in hospital. Seven patients are on ventilator beds. The union territory still has 87 per cent Covid beds vacant. A 72-year-old woman, a resident of Behlana, a case of coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension and hyperthyroidism, died at the PGI due to Covid-19. She was fully vaccinated against Covid.

88 doctors test positive for the virus at PGI in 15 days

As many as 197 healthcare workers (HCWs) of the PGI have tested positive for Covid-19 between December 20 and January 4. Among them, 88 are doctors and all of them were vaccinated against Covid-19. Only two healthcare workers were not vaccinated and one was partially vaccinated.

Dr Surjit Singh, PGI Director, said, “There were some celebratory functions like the annual function held in the last week of December at the PGI. This could be a reason why some doctors tested positive. Besides, some doctors have also acquired the infection while dealing with patient care. Covid-19 is again spreading in the region and doctors are the first line of defence.”

PGI to take call on OPDs

In view of Covid cases surging rapidly in the city, the PGI has called a meeting on Thursday to decide on limiting the OPD footfall.

Dr Surjit Singh, PGI Director, said, “We have already reactivated tele-consulation and a call on OPDs will be taken at the next meeting. We will try to accommodate the maximum possible patients for OPDs and the scenario of previous waves will be taken into consideration while deciding on OPDs. A lot of patients suffered due to not been able to avail of the treatment as health services were shut.”

Ray of hope, hospitalisation low

The city recorded 95 average cases in the past week, while the positivity rate stood at 6 per cent in the past seven days. There are 675 active cases in the city, of which 52 are in hospital. Seven patients are on ventilator. The UT has 87% Covid beds vacant.

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