Covid cases record six-fold jump in two weeks in Delhi

According to government records, 11 deaths were reported between March 1 and April 6, including nine male and two female patients, all of whom had comorbidities. Most of the deaths – five – were recorded among patients falling in the 70 to 79 year age group, followed by three between 60 and 69, two in the 80 to 89 bracket, and one fatality in the 50 to 59 group.

While 84 positive cases were reported on March 22, the number has gone, and remained consistently above, the 100-mark since 117 cases were reported the next day, on March 23. The positivity rate has, at the same time, spiraled from a little over 5 per cent to around 19.93 per cent.

The number of Covid patients, including those suspected of having contracted the infection, admitted in hospitals registered a slight decrease – from 124 a day earlier to 119. The number of confirmed patients went down from 117 to 107 Thursday. However, the number of patients in both ICU and on oxygen support recorded a rise – the figure increased in ICUs from 49 to 54 and on oxygen support from 32 to 36.

Doctors recommend increased testing and advise caution, especially for those who had existing health conditions or fever. According to Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, cases are increasing because the strain is contagious and infects people easily even though it is mild in nature.“I expect that the reported cases so far are less in numbers, and we need to do more testing to protect those who are comorbid and vulnerable and at risk,” he said.

While the strain is not very severe, hospital admissions have increased gradually and cases are also increasing.“The symptoms in those who are healthy can be very mild such as fever, sore throat and cough. But those who are elderly and comorbid can be at risk,” Dr Chatterjee added.