TS hints at community Covid spread

The health department on Thursday practically admitted to the prevalence of community spread of Covid-19 in the state, with health services director Dr G. Srinivasa Rao telling a press conference that “the virus has spread into the community and no one knows any longer who is a carrier and who is not.”

Short of using the official term of ‘community transmission’, the state’s top manager of health services also warned that the “next four to five weeks are going to be crucial.”

“We have had more

cases in GHMC limits so far but they are now decreasing. But cases in Tier Two cities and towns such as Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and the rest of the state are increasing,” he said.

Dr Srinivasa Rao blamed this on “irresponsible people” who are not following the basic safety precautions. While a majority of the population is being careful, there are others who are not, he said.

People visit Hyderabad every day from the rest of the state and return after finishing their work. Among those are those who do not follow safety of wearing a mask, maintaining social distance or hygiene. These people are taking the disease to the rest of the state, he said.

He urged people not to ignore signs of ill-health such as fever, cold or other symptoms. If unwell, go to the nearest PHC, or a hospital and get yourself checked.

Follow the advice given and, if needed, people will be advised to take the Covid-19 test, he said. “We have to get used to living with the virus. This means not inviting it into our lives but taking precautions of staying at home, wearing a mask when stepping out and maintaining social distance. No one knows how long the virus is going to be around and everyone must take every possible step to protect themselves from Covid-19,” he said.