The Worst Of COVID-19 May Be Over In Maharashtra, But There Could Be A Second Wave In Jan-Feb
Maharashtra, the worst COVID-19 affected state is seeing a relative slowdown in the number of new daily infections for the past couple of weeks.
While 4,907 cases in 24 hours are still a lot, it is nowhere close to the over 23,000 cases recorded in the state in September.
It is believed that COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra have hit its peak and the number of new infections will reduce in the coming days.
Second wave in Jan-Feb?
But the Maharashtra government is not letting its guard down and is preparing for a second wave of COVID-19 in the state.
The health department is expecting the second wave of COVID-19 in January or February.
"Several countries in Europe are experiencing the second wave of Covid-19 at present. Looking at that trend, it is likely that we may also face the second wave in January-February next year," health director Dr Archan Patil said in a letter to all district hospitals, Doctors and surgeons working in the government hospitals and to medical officers of all districts.
Patil has also directed that testing should not stop at any cost and that every day 140 tests should be conducted per 10 lakh population.?
To get an Early Warning Signal (EWS) of Influenza, a survey should be conducted to see the influenza-like disease. Fever clinics in Urban and Rural sectors should maintain daily reports about this, which will help the authorities to monitor the situation.
Some of the measures enumerated by the government are: regular lab testing as per ICMR guidelines and continuous monitoring of influenza like illnesses. This measure will specifically help get early warning signals for the spread of coronavirus, the government has said.?
All the district administrations have also been directed to take weekly reviews of influenza-like illnesses from all the rural areas. This will be done under Integrated Disease Surveillance Program.
Several preventive measures to be taken
The measures also include special monitoring of potential super spreaders like grocers, vegetable vendors, hotel owners, waiters, delivery personnel, house helps, transport personnel, daily wage workers, security guards, government servants like police home guard and others.
The communication has also issued details about allotment of hospitals depending on the number of COVID-19 cases in those areas, management of drugs and oxygen supply, services to serious patients, training program for increasing the administrations capability. The letter lays special emphasis on public awareness programmes about coronavirus appropriate behaviour.
