Total Covid cases reach six in district, testing increased

The number of Covid cases in the district are increasing and the total number of positive cases till now have reached six, of these one person lost his life while admitted to a hospital in Chandigarh.

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The death of the Ludhiana resident due to Covid has put the Health Department on alert. As a result, testing of suspected patients has been increased.

Two of the family members of the deceased have also tested positive. On Saturday, a businessman from Khanna also contracted the virus. However, he did not have any travel history. Positive cases so far also include two children.

District Epidemiologist Sheetal Narang said anyone having Covid-like symptoms should get themselves tested and isolate themselves to curtail the spread of the disease. On an average, 500 samples are tested every month. Cases even with slightest symptoms are sent for testing and those with travel history are the first ones to be tested.

“The testing of family members of the positive patients will be done and hospitals where they were getting treatment will also be tested. All have been asked to isolate themselves,” she said.

Dr Narang while talking about symptoms of Covid said these include sore throat, fever, running or blocked nose, dry cough, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell and exhaustion.

“Individuals with underlying medical conditions, known as comorbidities, should be particularly cautious about the virus. Severe symptoms are more likely to occur in older patients and those with conditions such as diabetes, cancer, obesity and chronic kidney disease. Other factors include heart conditions, chronic lung diseases and certain disabilities,” she added.

Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur said: “We have been closely monitoring the situation. Everyone should be vigilant but there was no cause to worry. We are regularly screening cases of influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and cases with co-morbidities.

Besides, all SARI cases and 5 per cent of ILI cases are referred for RT-PCR testing at designated facilities. Testing has been mandatory for children of high-risk groups, the elderly and pregnant women, if symptoms are observed.