Case doubling falls to 4.1 days

The doubling time for coronavirus (Covid-19) in India is 4.1 days, far from the ideal 7.1 days, as more asymptomatic carriers are coming to hospitals with symptoms.

The doubling time is calculated based on number of patients who come with symptoms and are confirmed for the disease.

Medical experts say that doubling time has increased as cluster cases have emerged in various parts of the country and are being reported now. The meeting organised by the Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin in New Delhi,

an orthopaedic doctor contacts in Nellore and the Wockhardt Hospital personnel in Mumbai are examples of how there are groups of cases emerging from various parts of India.

Dr K.K. Aggarwal, president, Confederation of Medical Association of Asia and Oceania, said, “the ideal time where there are no clusters or groups doubling time is 7.1 days.”

The rising number of cases is as anticipated by medical experts.

A senior doctor in Hyderabad explained, “the next two weeks will see rise in Covid-19 centres. After that, governments can allow them to go to private hospitals for containment. This is as an expected scenario as finally more tests are being carried out and contact tracing is happening as per guidelines. This means sporadic cases with no contact history and severe respiratory distress will also come to hospitals. Two deaths in OGH and one case of the immune-compromised child in Niloufer Hospital are examples.”