Although no definite conclusion can be drawn from the national Covid figures of last one week which are witnessing a gradual fall, there are some signs which are quite positive and welcoming. This is because despite an increase of testing, daily caseloads are decreasing and most importantly, recovery rate has also improved substantially.

Data released by Union Health Ministry on Sunday show 75,829 new cases have been added during last 24 hours and out of a total of 65,49,373 since beginning, there has been 55,09,766 recoveries which means the recovery rate is at an all-time high of 84.13 % now. For a better understanding of the evolving picture, it’s necessary to make a comparison with the September data, specifically relating to the first three-a-half week when it has really been the most-troubling phase as 23 lakh new cases or 40 % of total tally were added along with deaths which is one-third of the total since the pandemic’s commencement. In a sharp and welcoming contrast, during last one week, on an average less than 80,000 new cases have been added daily and this is despite no laxity in testing, a common cause for low detection of cases in Covid battle. The national daily rate of increase is also ushering hope as currently it’s only 1.28 % and it has also dropped below 1 % in states namely Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Bihar which witnessed huge surge just a month ago. More specifically, except for Kerala where the rate is currently over 4%, only five states including those with small caseloads are growing at more than 2%. While it will be unscientific and a bit premature to term these developments as the beginning of ‘flattening of the curve’, there is an undeniable flash of hope.

There will obviously be a high level of discomfort over why cases are not dipping in Arunachal, alike the national percentages. As no comprehensive answer is there, it can only be presumed that the state, particularly the ICR is now passing through the peak phase and its continuance will depend on cumulative effect of the efficacies of measures under force and citizens’ response. While further ramping up of testing (RAT, followed by PCR to filter false negatives) by the health department is highly necessary, for citizens, face mask and hand sanitizers must be constant companions. It needs to be clarified for those discarding masks especially those having respiratory trouble that there are no chances of over-exposure to carbon dioxide, as per a recently-conducted comprehensive scientific study.

The current Covid phase is a test for entire Arunachal. To come out with flying colours, besides administrative vigil, citizens have to keep patience and show more determination in observing all SOPs.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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