Antibody Prevalence In Bhubaneswar Far Less Than Other Cities, Says BMC Commissioner

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar remains one of the safest cities in the country in terms of the prevalence of COVID-19 antibody in the population, said Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary on Saturday.

Speaking at a press briefing, Chaudhary said the sero surveillance conducted last month in the city showed the antibody prevalence at 1.24% while it was more than 20% in most of the cities in the country.

As per the nationwide figure so far, the antibody prevalence was 31% in Berhampur, 55% in Pune, 40% in Mumbai, 20% in Ahmedabad, 20-50% in Jodhpur, Punjab and Amritsar and 29% in Delhi, said Chaudhary.

But, the infection rate is increasing as economic activities are picking up for relaxation in lockdown, inflow of people from other states for different purposes and demographic profile of the city, he said.

Stating that the current situation in Bhubaneswar is almost at its peak, Chaudhary said, “As per our projection, there will be 3,429 active cases in BMC area by August 31 and the number will go up to around 5,000 by September 15.”

“If we manage the situation well, the positivity will come down. It needs careful and responsible activities by us so far as COVID-19 is concerned,” he said.

On the COVID-19 tests, he said at present 2500-3000 tests are conducted at 8-9 camps in different locations of the city. The testing has also been broadbased with 21 CHCs and PHCs having dedicated testing facility, he added.

There are 4,151 beds at COVID hospitals, CCHs and DCH in the city. While 38% beds have been occupied by COVID-19 patients from BMC area, 21% beds are being utilised by people from non-BMC area. Around 40% beds are still vacant.

The Commissioner said total 6,722 COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in BMC area so far. Of those, 2,618 are active cases. While 675 patients are in home isolation, 33 people have succumbed to the disease, he added.