Jamshedpur, April 17: The city has turned into a Corona hot bed with more than 500 positive cases reported from the past three days. The figures are all time high ever since the first positive case was reported on May 12 last year. Out of 5000 tests being conducted in the city, more than 500 positive cases are being reported every day. The positive cases have crossed the 23000 mark so far.
In view of the rising number of Covid cases, the health department is conducting Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) on the go for people at public places. RAT is also conducted through nasal and throat swabs like RT PCR tests. However, the result of the test is out within an hour. Doctors say that RAT is a low sensitivity test when compared to RT PCR, and may not be as accurate as the latter. The RT PCR test, on the other hand, takes around 48 hours, but the results are more accurate.
The official explained that rapid antigen tests detect the presence of viral proteins (antigens) expressed by the Covid-19 virus in a sample taken from the respiratory tract of a person. ” The result of the test is made available within 15 minutes, ” he said adding that the objective is to trace, track and treat Covid positive patients. The East singhbhum health department has intensified the rapid antigen test drive keeping in view the spurt in Covid-19 cases.
Meanwhile with a quantum rise in the number of COVID – 19 positive cases in the city, the administration has decided to conduct raids at different public places, shops, and markets where norms of social distancing are being violated. On Friday night several shops at Jugsalai, Bistupur and Telco areas were sealed for the violation of Covid norms for 48 hours.
“Despite the rising number of COVID-19 cases, people are still not following the rules. Strict enforcement of the triad of precautionary measures — use of masks and sanitisers and following social distancing — in public spaces has become a priority,” said Krishna Kumar, city manager, JNAC.
The Kolhan Division which was under green zone, came under coronavirus map with two persons testing positive at Chakulia, under East Singhbhum district on May 12.
The officer admitted that the Covid cases are increasing fast, informing that the department is paying more and more focus on detection of cases as well as vaccinating the people.
Significantly, there is a crisis of Covishield vaccine at the government-run health hubs. In most of the 20 health hubs, the vaccine is being given to the recipients of second dose only due to the short supply.
On the other hand, 27 private health hubs which are also contributing to the Covid vaccination drive by accepting Rs 250 per dose apparently do not face any supply crisis.
