From Our Bureau
05th April 2020
The Corona Virus (CPVID-19) pandemic situation continued to be critical globally, with the confirmed cases across the world rising to 11,33,758 and the death toll soaring to 62,784 in the 209 affected countries and territories.
According to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases increased by 82,061 and the confirmed death toll rose by 5,798 in the last 24 hours.
In India, the number of confirmed cases touched 4,281 and the death toll reached 111 on 6th April. In all, 319 persons have been cured/ discharged from the hospitals after recovery.
In Telangana State, the total number of confirmed cases increased to 364, with 11 deaths and 45 cases discharged.
Globally, European region continued to be the worst-hit, with 6,21,407 confirmed cases and 46,416 deaths. American region came next with 3,15,714 confirmed cases and 8,187 deaths. Western Pacific region’s tally stood at 1,11,396 confirmed cases and 3,838 deaths. Eastern Mediterranean region reported 70,293 confirmed cases and 3,794 deaths. South-East Asia region recorded 7,816 confirmed cases and 302 deaths and African region witnessed 6,420 confirmed cases and 236 deaths. WHO Risk Assessment at global level remained very high.
One new country/territory/area reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours: Falkland Islands (Malvinas). The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Etienne called for the collaboration of the private sector with countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to tackle COVID-19. PAHO has launched a new searchable database that contains the latest guidance and research on the COVID-19 pandemic from the Americas and affected countries worldwide.
As China emerges from a two-month containment phase and moves into the mitigation stage, its experience is helping countries currently at the start of the COVID-19 cycle to plan their responses better. This is explored in an interview with WHO Representative to China, Dr Gauden Galea.
Government of India is taking several steps along with the States/UTs for the prevention, containment and management of COVID-19 in the country. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Cabinet Secretary has been interacting through Video Conference with various District officials at the cutting edge levels to ensure uniformity of response across all parts of state. All districts have been advised to have a District level Crisis Management Plan for COVID-19.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued detailed Guidelines for setting up of quarantine facilities for COVID-19 outbreak. This Guidelines focus on separating suspected and high-risk contacts as early as possible from among other quarantined persons.
The Ministry has also issued Guidelines for Handling, Treatment, and Disposal of Waste Generated during Treatment/Diagnosis/ Quarantine of COVID-19 patients. Additionally, a few informative videos for managing stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak are also posted on the website of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The States have already been advised to use funds under National Health Mission (NHM) and State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) to undertake all activities related with creation of quarantine centres, dedicated COVID-19 hospitals and other medical equipment, treatment of patients and all other activities related with management of COVID-19.
In addition to this, NHM has already sanctioned Rs. 1,100 Crores to all the States & Rs. 3,000 Crores additional funds were released. Also, N-95 masks, Ventilators and PPEs are being procured from the central pool and distributed to all the States across the country.
As per the presently available data, an analysis of total confirmed cases has presented the following distribution: Gender distribution: 76% are male, 24% are female. Age distribution: 47% people – below 40 years age group, 34% people – between 40 to 60 years age group, 19% people – 60 and above age group.
Following observations are made while analysing the reported 109 deaths due to COVID-19: Gender distribution: 73% are male, 27% are female. Age distribution: 63% deaths reported for elderly people (60 and above), 30% deaths reported for people between 40 to 60 years, 7% deaths reported for people below 40 years
As of now, 86% death cases have exhibited co-morbidity related to diabetes, chronic kidney issues, hypertension and heart-related problems. Although 19% confirmed cases have been reported among the elderly, since 63% deaths have been observed among them, elderly people form a high risk population. Further, though 37% deaths are reported from people below 60 years, approximately, 86% of deaths amongst people with co-morbidities indicate that young people with co-morbidities are also at high risk of COVID-19. (eom)
