46% Of Cuttack City’s 822 COVID-19 Active Cases In 21-40 Age Group; Positivity Rate 3-8%

Cuttack: The Millenium City has reported 605 new COVID-19 cases in the last one week (August 8-14) and 46 per cent of 822 active cases are in the age group of 21-40 years, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Commissioner Ananya Das informed on Sunday.

At a press briefing, the commissioner said that the highest of 375 patients are in the age group of 21-40 years and the minimum caseload is in the above 60 age group.

“It is clear that youngsters have the tendency to go out because of which they come in contact with more people and are more likely to contract the virus. Our elderly, however, are vulnerable to the infection and the young population should take proper care not to pass it on to them,” she said.

The commissioner informed that 174 of the 605 cases in the last one week have been reported among those in home quarantine (contacts and returnees), followed by 165 from containment zone while 139 are local contact and 127 institutional quarantine (returnees and CCH) cases.

Das said that the number of tests has been increased and the positivity rate varies between 3 per cent to 8 per cent. “The positivity rate was around 8 per cent on August 8 and August 12 because cluster-wise tests were being conducted on these days. In some clusters, 20 to 30 cases were detected and this led to a rise in the positivity rate,” she said.

This has also helped us to contain a well-defined cluster and check the spread of the virus, Das said.

She said that fever clusters are also being identified through active surveillance and tests are being conducted in these areas. “We have already covered Imampada Basti, Kathajodi Vihar Basti, CDA 9, Krushak Bazaar Basti, Nua Nima Sahi and Doba Sahi Basti. Cases were identified in some areas while others were found to be clear,” she said.

Testing facilities have been made available in five PHCs and two CHCs, she said, adding that it will be extended to five more PHCs this week.

The commissioner said that patients with mild symptoms are being kept in COVID Care Centres and 223 have so far availed home isolation facility.

Das urged the city denizens to cooperate with the COVID warriors engaged for testing and shifting of patients. “Please don’t hide if you have any symptoms and come forward for testing. Earlier detection will help in the treatment and people need not fear as they can also opt for home isolation,” she added.