Toll on rise, Bathinda administration found wanting

Bathinda, september 12

A sudden spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths has put the district administration in Bathinda on tenterhooks. As per the health department, 34 deaths have been reported in past 12 days and more than 3,000 fresh Covid cases have surfaced in past one month, and as per officials, there is a possibility that cases might further increase in the third week of September.

As many as 36 patients succumbed to the virus till August 31 but after that there has been a sudden spurt in deaths; in the past 10 days (till September 10) alone, 34 more patients have died in the district.

Similarly, there were 949 Covid cases in the district until second week of August, but after that there has been a sudden spike, taking the case load to 4,000 in just one month.

However, the positive development is the recovery rate has improved significantly. Of the total cases, 2,384 patients have recovered completely.

A senior health official, requesting anonymity, said despite senior officials meeting regularly to make plans to contain the virus spread, there has been no let up in cases. Despite putting in place all required measures, the health department is struggling to contain the Covid spread.

Dr Amrik Singh Sandhu, Civil Surgeon, Bathinda, said: “As per the department’s projections, the spike in Covid cases is on the expected lines. We had anticipated it and all arrangements were made in advance to meet the increased load. There is a possibility that cases might further increase in the third week of September. — TNS