Covid-19: Decline In Growth Is Good News
By A Special Correspondent
First publised on 2020-08-17 12:03:06
About the Author
The Covid-19 numbers in India for the last few weeks, although rising, are showing an overall decline in growth. Hence, although the numbers are rising in absolute terms, they are not rising as fast as they were in even two weeks ago, both in absolute and percentage terms. The week between August 10 and 16 saw 4,34,003 new cases being reported. It was just 5.9 percent higher than the 4,09,730 cases reported during August 3-9. This was substantially lower than the 10.9% increase in the week August 3-9 from the previous week July 27-August 2. The last-mentioned week had seen a 16% increase from the week preceding it.
All parameters are showing a decline. Active cases are declining at a steady rate, proving that people are recovering. The fatality rate, now at just 1.93%, is among the lowest in the world. This is even after India has started testing more - the week ended Sunday saw 53 lakh tests whereas only 43 lakh tests were conducted in the preceding week. Health experts had been saying that lower testing meant the numbers were not reflecting the true extent of the spread but the declining rate of growth as testing increases shows that India has been following health protocols diligently to both arrest the spread of the virus as well as treat the affected.
But this is not the time for complacency. The governments, both at the Centre and the states, must keep up the good work. It was reported that people had thronged tourist spots near their cities in the Independence Day weekend. While it might have been good news for the tourism industry, health experts have warned that such misadventures could lead to community transmission. The people have to be patient. Vaccines are being developed and are expected to be in the market by December this year. Medicines are also being tested and the laboratories are hopeful of finding a cure soon. Hence, there is no need to take risks. A few more months of abstinence from pleasure activities might result in humanity vanquishing the dreaded virus. Citizens must help the government in doing so by strictly following the rules.
