Is the pandemic receding in Coimbatore? Implementation of SOPs, monitoring containment zones are yielding results - Corporation Commissioner
Coimbatore: Coimbatore: Is the pandemic threat really receding or does it look that way? wonder people in Coimbatore. From the end of September till date, new corona positive cases is seeing a notable dip in Coimbatore. From scary numbers of 750, cases have now declined below 350 in Coimbatore district and not to forget the fall in death cases.
A cursory look at the numbers certainly is consoling and promises a ray of hope among people, however a closer observation of the scenario by medical experts conclude 'The Threat is not yet over. The virus still remains to be a threat and any unscientific conclusions will accentuate the spread."
While the city was bracing for a second wave, as warned by experts and health department, the constant fall in positive numbers has raised the eyebrows of many. People are confused, whether to be relieved or are they are not getting it right.
Though referred as the 'Manchester of South India', Coimbatore is a hot bed for various industries other than textiles. Following lockdown relaxations in August, movement of people from several parts of the State and across the nation to Coimbatore was cited to be a crucial reason for increase in Covid cases to skyrocket from 300s to 700s, every day, until 3rd week of September.
No interpretations can be made based on sudden spike in cases for a day or two or fall in cases. It doesn't indicate anything, say experts. However, speculations are rife that the sudden dip in positive cases are due to reduced testing and many private labs backed out from testing.
Is downward trend in positive cases is due to low testing numbers?.
Defintely No, say the officials and health experts involved in COVID related activities in the district. Their answer is in stark contrast to authenticated media reports pointing lowest testing rates conducted per positive case in Tamil Nadu. The state is also the lowest among other Southern states in the country.
While several reasons are attributed to reduced cases, are we forgetting to acknowledge the relentless work done by the Corporation, health department and the district administration who are battling with an unprecedented pandemic situation with available resources...?
Kumaravel Pandian, an IAS officer who has been on ground since the pandemic and seen the worst spike of cases in Chennai is now heading the Corporation as Commissioner. He took charge as the new Corporation Commissioner in August replacing Shravan Kumar.
In a conversation with him, the Commissioner says strict implementation of SOPs and follow-up is yielding results in Coimbatore. He believes systemic and meticulous implementation of protocols, follow-ups, mass awareness, restrictions on public gatherings and close monitoring of containment zones will help contain the spread to a large extend.
Everything should go hand-in-hand, our SOPs and people co+operation will yield result. For example, the containment zones in the city has come down drastically in the recent times, he told.
"We have been uncompromisingly observing all orders and SOPs directed by the State and District Collector. The move to admit Covid positive persons in Covid Care Centres instead of permitting them to isolate at home has earned us visible results. It has drastically helped us contain asymptomatic patients moving around and spreading the virus", he added.
After the decision to stop home isolation of Covid positive patients, the total Covid-19 positivity rate in the district has significantly gone down and is now between 7- 8%, told Corporation Commissioner and Special Officer Kumaravel Pandian.
In contrast to the positive move by district administration to stop permitting home isolation of Covid positive patients, Covid positive patients are left in lurch to find beds. Though government facilities promise adequate bed facilities, people in middle income and upper income group prefer private hospitals for personalised care.