For the first time in India, the COVID recovery rate crossed the 50 per cent mark on Sunday. After the testing process was ramped in the country, there has been a northward spike with over 3,32,424 total cases. The Health Ministry said on Monday that 8049 has recovered from the coronavirus in the past 24 hours taking up the recovery rate to 50.59 per cent.
While the condition in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Delhi continues to be grim, there are states and union territories that have shown us a ray of hope with their consistent recovery rates and efficient handling of the coronavirus.
KARNATAKA
Karnataka is among the top 10 states with the highest number of COVID-19 positive cases. However, considering its vast population and high recovery count, it has fared better than many other states by keeping the active cases at 3,095. Karnataka had decided to implement a partial lockdown in high-risk districts, two weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the nationwide lockdown to minimize the effect of the deadly virus. Chief Minister Yediyurappa also worked towards providing economic relief simultaneously. The government tried the best use of technology to handle the crisis better and implement the TTT- Trace, Test, and Treat formula.
KERALA
On Sunday with 56 recoveries and 54 new cases, Kerala reported more recoveries in comparison to the active cases for the first time after May 8. Kerala was one of the first states to successfully flatten the curve but has only witnessed an upward spike since then. This can be attributed to the partial relaxation of the inter-state travel norms. The state has 1,340 active cases and 1,101 recoveries, said KK Shailaja, Kerala health minister. The spread through local contacts is estimated to be around 3% in the state. Nevertheless, Kerala’s effective health system is sure to put the state back on the path of recovery. Speaking to The Indian Express, KK Shailaja said that the government had anticipated the resurgence earlier and our taking steps to trace the infected people at airports and seaports. “We have implemented tracing and quarantine, testing, isolating, and treating the patients or virus carriers properly,” she added.
CHHATTISGARH
Chhattisgarh also holds similar statistics with high recoveries and 6 deaths so far. Unlike Kerala, Chhattisgarh does not have enough medical facilities and trained staff yet they were able to contain the virus in the first 2 months with zero fatalities. “Very early on, I had decided that our only chance was prevention. Testing, distancing, contact tracing, and systemic isolation of patients and suspected cases,” says Niharika Barik Singh, Chhattisgarh health secretary. The officials also focused on creating awareness by sending instructions and guidelines to everyone on the coronavirus and how to take preventive measures. The timely implementation and prior knowledge of its resources have helped Chhattisgarh to keep active cases below one thousand till now.
CHANDIGARH AND PUNJAB
Both Chandigarh and Punjab have been leading the country in terms of COVID-19 recovery rates. According to the state-wise data of the Health Ministry, Chandigarh’s cure rate is the best in India at 87.42 per cent, followed by Punjab at 79.70 per cent. Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said on Saturday to strictly check new entrants from other states and also made it clear that Punjabis were welcome to come from Delhi for COVID treatment in Punjab.
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ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS
Andaman and Nicobar islands have had zero fatalities so far with 33 of its 38 COVID patients recovering. All thanks to the instant implementation of the lockdown rules and shutting down of inter-island movements, the union territory was able to contain the virus to a great extent. Director General of Police Dependra Pathak told PTI, “We managed well the first wave of infection with the arrival of Jamaatis, but unfortunately two others who had gone to Chennai tested positive for the virus on return. The spurt in the cases forced us to opt for a rigorous containment exercise.”
It is a relief that despite the rise in the total cases, the recovery rate of patients has continued to exceed the active cases in the last few days in the country but it is not a sign to let our guard down. There is a need to adopt the best practices and models from the states showing a higher recovery rate.