Health officials in Telangana have reported that the Covid-19 situation in the state remains under control. Over the past week, the daily count of cases has fluctuated between 20 and 30, similar to figures seen in March. On 7 April, the state recorded 29 new cases, with a total of 5,029 samples tested. The recovery rate stood at 99.49%, with 21 recoveries reported on the same day. No new deaths were recorded. The director of public health stated that 154 Covid-19 cases are currently under treatment or isolation.
The majority of Telangana’s 33 districts are reporting zero or one case daily. However, a residential school in Mahabubabad district recently reported 15 cases among students. Health officials have described this as an isolated incident and say there is no cause for panic. The highest daily count of 54 in recent months was recorded on 15 March, with figures fluctuating between 15 and 40 throughout March.
Last month, the Centre issued an advisory to six states, including Telangana, over increasing Covid-19 cases. It directed the state to examine the situation at a micro level and implement necessary measures for effective management. The ministry also advised the strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination. Health Minister T. Harish Rao has appealed to people to remain alert and follow appropriate behaviour to counter the rise of positive infections. He has also urged all eligible people to get vaccinated with booster Covid vaccines in government hospitals.
The Telangana government has requested additional Covid booster shots from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With the Centre asking states to directly procure Covid vaccines and booster shots from the open market, Telangana has decided to procure 15 lakh doses from Hyderabad-based Biological E to resume vaccination.
Health officials and doctors have reassured the public that there is no need for alarm about the current situation. They have pointed out that Covid-19 cases typically start increasing in March, and a similar pattern was observed during the first three waves. They have advised high-risk groups, including children, elderly people, and those with co-morbidities, to take measures to safeguard themselves.
Healthcare professionals have emphasised that the Covid-19 pandemic is not fully over. They have urged people to remain vigilant and not allow the virus to get the better of them. Dr. Kishore B Reddy, MD, Amor Hospital, has said that coronavirus has taught doctors that they must be prepared to handle newer challenges that come their way. Dr. Praveen Kumar Kulkarni, Consultant Physician & Diabetologist, KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad, has urged people to stay cautious and ensure the virus does not get the better of them.
