COVID-19 cases rising alarmingly in Cachar: Dr Bhaskar Gupta

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: "With COVID-19 positive cases growing rapidly — after RAT and RTCPR tests, the situation is turning to be alarming in Cachar," pointed out Dr Bhaskar Gupta, Vice-Principal of Silchar Medical College and Hospital. Every day, 8 to 10 infected persons by deadly virus are admitted in SMCH. Dr Gupta says if the cases continue to escalate, the 140-bed capacity of the COVID ward may see a surge in admissions and pose a challenge before the medical and nursing staff to tackle properly. With full support from the most dynamic and vigilant Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Health, the plan is to increase the bed capacity to 500.

Dr Bhaskar Gupta is hopeful the way a sense of fear and awareness is also growing in people in general, there will be fall in the number of cases. The grisly and painful images of hospitals and cremation grounds being shown on electronic media and national television channels have also their impact on people's psyche. He admitted passengers from hotspots of Corona arriving here by air, rail and road are adding to the gravity of situation. "It with media and people's cooperation that the severity of the situation can be eased," said Dr Gupta.

During the first wave of COVID-19, of the 34 to 35 cases admitted every day, the casualty was one. Since the second wave started, only one death has occurred. On an average 100 positive cases are detected. Till 7 PM of Sunday, 108 positive cases (73 RT-CPR and 35 RAT) were registered. "As of now, we have no problem in dealing with cases admitted, but any further escalation can lead to break down of health system," cautioned Dr Gupta. It is good that passengers coming from outside the state are being screened before their departure for homes.

Dr Gupta advised people to strictly abide by the COVID-19 protocols to help in controlling the situation. He cited the instance of Israel where the second wave of COVID-19 has been contained only by people's adherence to guidelines.

He appreciated the State government's directive to shut down shops and commercial establishments from 6 PM till dawn in order to break the chain. "One redeeming feature is the rush of people, men and women, wearing masks to the designated urban and rural centres for vaccination. This will certainly add to the scaling down of the infection," added Dr Gupta.

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