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Festival shoppers may spell disaster for COVID fight: Health Secretary
The public dropping their guard against coronavirus infection, as is clear from the crowd milling at the shopping hubs in the city, was a serious threat to public health, warned Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan, adding that there was every possibility that the infection would bounce back. The impact of this shopping spree would be known by mid- November, he said.
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Talking to DT Next, Radhakrishnan pointed out how Kerala was struggling with surge in cases due to Onam festivities, and also noted England and the US that are reporting fresh round of infection after the people ignored safety norms.
Despite reopening commercial establishments, government bus service and liquor outlets, the State was able to curtail infection rate. But the Deepavali rush was a serious concern, the official said, noting how the shoppers at commercial pockets of Chennai were failing to follow norms. The people should support the government in breaking the chain, he said.
“Corona infection rate is directly proportionate to public behaviour. Currently, about 70 per cent of people in the State are wearing masks. However, there still are a lot of people who ignore masks and
overcrowd market areas. There is tremendous pressure on government doctors and other public health workers deployed at COVID wards who are risking their lives. If the infection rises further, the pressure will mount for the health fraternity,” Radhakrishnan said.
When asked if the State would witness a second wave in November, Radhakrishnan said two incubation cycles of 28 days was required to confirm a wave. November would be a crucial month for the COVID warriors, he said.
“Though we have scaled up the facilities at government hospitals by more than 200 per cent, super spreaders and monsoon season can lead to the cascading of the pandemic, affecting the quality of life and livelihood,” said the official.
Regarding complaints that private hospitals were fleecing COVID patients, the Health Secretary said that the public should visit government hospitals that are in no way inferior to private facilities in terms of treatment. The Health Department was working on ways to bring down the fatality rate, Radhakrishnan added.
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