Chart-topper Lucknow yet to turn tables on Covid-19

LUCKNOW: The state capital has continued to top Uttar Pradesh’s Covid-19 chart for over a fortnight despite weekend restrictions being enforced for 55 hours from every Friday night to Monday early morning since July 10.

Lucknow now has 6,895 active cases followed by Kanpur where the number is at least 2,000 less. Owing to the continuous ncrease in cases, the recovery rate in the state capital has dipped to 50.99% from around 58% in July.

Data shows that the number of daily fresh cases in Lucknow in the first week of July was under 100. It crossed the 100 mark on July 7 and then again on July 10. In the first week of August, the average number of fresh cases was over 500.

“Rapid tests were increased manifold in containment zones in July. In August, the number of RT-PCR tests also went up,” said a senior health official in Lucknow. Prof Kauser Usman, senior faculty, King George’s Medical University, said, “Weekend closures are not scientifically proven to curb fresh cases. They do help in reducing pollution, which in another way helps patients and those at risk to remain healthy. But with increased testing, more cases are expected now.”

“There is no need to panic. In fact, early detection will help patients stay healthy despite infection,” said Prof Usman. Administrative officials, however, find the curbs effective.

Lucknow divisional commissioner Mukesh Meshram said, “The weekend restrictions are effective as gatherings and socialising by people have been suspended. Else, they would have met for the entire week. Weekends have more social gatherings. Curbs restrict such gatherings.”