No Need Of Curfew To Check Covid Cases: Dr Srinivas Rao

Health Director of Telangana Dr M Srinivas Rao today said that there was no need of a night curfew in the state to control the coronavirus spread.

He informed media persons that the coronavirus cases though on a rise were under control.

Since the positivity rate was only 3.6% there was no need of a curfew, which was necessary only if the rate went beyond 10%, he said.

He said that the GHMC area reported a 4.26% positivity rate, Medchal 4.22%, Medak 6.45% and Kothagudem 1.14%.

"Also, due to the house-to-house fever survey we have been able to give medical kits to 1.78 lakh people with some Covid symptoms. In addition, 59% of people in the 15-18 year age group have been vaccinated, and we have given precaution doses to 2.16 lakh people. The ICU and oxygen beds are occupied only to the extent of 61% in the state, and the health staff is ready to tackle any situation," Rao said.

"The government continues to put curbs on public meetings, rallies and gatherings, which will be in place until Jan 31. However, the people should also cooperate by wearing masks, getting vaccinated and following protocols to bring down the cases by visiting the government hospitals at all levels," he added.

The Director said that the cases would go down in March after seeing an increase in February, and since the symptoms were almost negligible in most patients this time, there was no need of fear.

He added that the government had also nevertheless improved facilities in all the hospitals in the rural areas and districts, and that more beds, injections, vaccines, medicines and health staff were available in government hospitals now at all levels. However, he also asked people not to rush to hospitals with just mild symptoms.