Over 2,500 test positive for Covid in AugustIn Patiala, 3 deaths a day this month

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 19

The Covid situation in Patiala has become alarming. The district reported an average three deaths a day this month.

As many as 65 people have lost their lives to Covid in the past 19 days. The district toll now stands at 93. As per the Health Department, Patiala reported over 2,511 cases in the month of August. A total of 4,250 cases have surfaced in the district so far.

The district today reported six Covid-induced deaths and 117 fresh cases.

On the high number of Covid fatalities in the district, Civil Surgeon Harish Malhotra said they were analysing the reasons behind a large number of casualties. He added that patients reported to the hospital at a very advanced stage, which was one of the factors for the high toll. The official said, “We request people to visit a government health facility as soon as they develop Covid-like symptoms. People should not go for self-medication or ignore the symptoms. Any delay in treatment can prove fatal.”

Concerned over the rising Covid cases, the Health Department today directed factory owners and businessmen to conduct random sampling of at least 20 per cent staff members in a week. The directions came after 14 workers of a tractor factory in Nabha tested positive for the virus during random sampling. Besides, a dozen workers of a local mill were found infected today.

Health officials said the majority of the cases reported from the district were workplace contacts of patients. Therefore, random sampling would help stem the virus spread in the district.