22 more succumb to Covid, Punjab braces for second wave

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, Nov 24

The state has reported 614 cases and 22 deaths in the past 24 hours. As per the media bulletin released on Tuesday, with fresh cases the total Covidcount has reached 1,47,665 and the number of deaths 4,653.

In the district-wise breakup, Sangrur topped the chart with four deaths, followed by Jalandhar and Ludhiana with three deaths each, Bathinda and Gurdaspur with two deaths each, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mansa, Moga, Pathankot and Patiala reported one death each.

Meanwhile, the state government has released several updates for the treatment of Covid patients ahead of the expected second wave in mid-December. This is the third amendment made by the state since the pandemic spread. The guidelines have been revised according to the regional updates and have been sent to all districts.

Dr Bishav Mohan, senior cardiologist from Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), who is also a member of the Covid-19 task force formed by the state government, shared the revised guidelines for treating mild, moderate and serious patients. He said there were some important points to remember while treating Covid patients, like low dose of steroids have a good outcome when patients are on oxygen support. However, giving steroids with normal saturation and on the basis of CT scan can cause more harm.

“Ramdesivir injection has not shown benefit in reducing death rate. However, in some cases of moderate severity, when given in early phase, it can help in reducing stay in the hospital. In addition to this, blood thinners like Heparin, given in required dose, help. HCQ Prophylaxis for high-risk contacts and frontline healthcare workers should be considered. Mental health issue should be managed in consultation with a psychiatrist/psychologist, Dr Mohan said.

Fresh guidelines

• The state government has released fresh guidelines for the treatment of Covid patients. The guidelines have been revised according to the regional updates
• Patients in home isolation need to watch out for difficulty in breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, mental confusion, discoloration of lips or face and decreased urine output

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.