Patiala vulnerable to 2nd wave

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 7

Following a surge in the number of cases over the past few weeks, Patiala has apparently set out for the second wave of the Covid. The district reported 55 positive cases today and 61 on Friday — highest in the past 30 days.

The positivity rate has also has also doubled — from 2 per cent to around 4 per cent. The total number of Covid cases has already crossed 13,000 in the district. Health officials say the festive season, rise in pollution and drop in temperature are the reasons behind the surge in cases. One of the health experts said: “People are out for festive shopping, but most of them don’t wear masks or don’t wear them properly.”

The Patiala Civil Surgeon, Dr Harish Malhotra, said though it would be too early to say anything, yet if residents continued to be careless, a second wave would soon hit us. “People should start following Covid norms. The recent increase in coronavirus cases is an outcome of multiple factors.” Dr Malhotra said weather conditions, including drop in temperature, were conducive for the spread of Covid. “Researchers have predicted that coronavirus is likely to have seasonal effects. Therefore, residents should take extra precautions in the coming days,” Dr Malhotra added.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.