As Covid 19 cases are rising again, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on Monday warned that the prevailing low humidity promotes evaporation of viral particles and aerosol formations that can increase the airborne spread of the disease.
“With the Covid 19 positive numbers consistently rising for the past one week, it is high time that we guard up and follow Covid protocols without any lackadaisical approach,” said PGI director Jagat Ram.
“There is again a chance of a spike in cases in view of the onset of festival season, upcoming winters and fast-increasing pollution levels,” he cautioned.
“On basis of studies of other respiratory viruses like SARS, influenza, etc, which show seasonal variance with cases spiking in winters, there is a possibility that the coronavirus infections might also rise in the coming months,” he said.
‘If one contracts Covid 19, it’s likely to be more severe’
About how the high levels of pollution might factor in the surging numbers, Ram explained pollution levels rise in winters as the cold air is dense and moves sluggishly. Further, particulate matter is lethal for respiratory health as it enters the alveoli of lungs and damages them, compromising the respiratory health.
“Under these circumstances, if one contracts Covid 19, it’s likely to be more severe,” he said.
“With the festive season, people are far less vigilant. With less people wearing masks, we are definitely contributing to accelerate the rise in cases,” he warned.
“Till the time, the vaccine arrives, wearing a proper mask, following hand hygiene and social distancing is the mainstay to prevent Covid 19 infection,” he added.
‘Cases have increased from 55 to 111’
In the war room meeting today, he stated that number of Covid cases have increased from 55 to 111. Out of 111 covid 19 cases, 29 belong to Chandigarh, 40 to Punjab, 18 to Haryana, 16 to Himachal Pradesh and 8 others.
He also mentioned that PGIMER has tested 3,362 covid samples from patients coming from neighbouring states and found 8.7% positivity rate.
He also mentioned that every Diwaliy, nearly 50 patients become blind due to accidents related to crackers. Hence, he supported crackers’ ban particularly during Covid period.
Sec 48 hospital reopened to accommodate patients
Acting Director Principal, GMCH 32, Dr Jasbinder Kaur mentioned that they have tested 1,417 covid samples and found positivity rate of 7.1%. She also mentioned that due to the increased number of cases, Sector 48 hospital, which was closed, has been re-opened to accommodate corona affected patients.
Viewing the situation, UT Administrator has directed the doctors to increase the OPD facilities after Diwali.
