homevideos Newsindia NewsSurge in COVID cases in Maharashtra; micro containment a solution to contain spread: Dr. Shashank Joshi
Surge in COVID cases in Maharashtra; micro containment a solution to contain spread: Dr. Shashank Joshi
Maharashtra has reported the sharpest surge in new COVID-19 cases in 70 days, with addition of 4,800 infections to its tally. A rise in cases in some of the state's semi-urban and rural areas has added to the government's concerns. Dr. Shashank Joshi, Member of the Maharashtra COVID Task Force and Consultant Endocrinologist at the Lilavati Hospital, said the infection in the Akola circle is a cause of concern.
Maharashtra has reported the sharpest surge in new COVID-19 cases in 70 days, with addition of 4,800 infections to its tally. A rise in cases in some of the state's semi-urban and rural areas has added to the government's concerns.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held an urgent meeting with officials from Amravati, Yavatmal and Akola on Thursday to take stock of the situation. The meeting comes amidst reports that researchers have detected some COVID mutations in Amravati and Yavatmal.
Dr. Shashank Joshi, Member of the Maharashtra COVID Task Force and Consultant Endocrinologist at the Lilavati Hospital, said the infection in the Akola circle is a cause of concern. Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur are also reporting a surge again, he said.
Joshi said the mutant strain could be one of the reasons for the surge in cases. However, he said there is total disrespect for using masks, sanitisation measures, and social distancing especially in the rural areas.
"COVID inappropriate behaviour is there across the country. You are seeing non-masking across the country, but in rural Maharashtra particularly, we have seen a total disrespect for masks, sanitisation, and distancing. So, clearly it is a lack of the COVID appropriate behaviour, and maybe a mutant strain. However, I wish and pray it is not,” he said in an interview to CNBC-TV18.
According to Joshi, Maharashtra cannot afford a lockdown and the only silver lining currently is the low death rate in the state. He believes micro containment may be a solution to contain spread of COVID-19. "These type of mini surges are going to occur across the country. The only fear we have is if there is a mutant strain because we cannot afford a lockdown. The only good and silver lining is that the deaths are less and the CFR is low. But all places where we test positivity rate if it is more than 10%, then micro containment and sealing of buildings might be the answer rather than going for a total lockdown,” he said.
Watch video for more.
(Edited by : Priyanka Rathi)
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