19 hours ago
Covid-19 positivity rate increases in Ludhiana during June.
Ludhiana: Health authorities in Ludhiana have flagged a concerning uptick in Covid-19 cases, with the district's positivity rate jumping to 7.14% in early June — the highest monthly figure this year and nearly 12 times May's rate, suggests official data.
The surge comes after months of negligible case counts. From Jan through April, more than 2,100 tests yielded zero positive cases. In May, only four cases were detected from 680 tests — a modest 0.6% positivity rate. However, in just the first six days of June, 12 out of 168 tests came back positive, marking a sharp rise. While the total number of infections remains low—16 cases from 2,988 tests since January—public health experts and officials are urging caution without sparking alarm.
A health department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said most positive patients are asymptomatic and under home isolation. "There's no cause for panic yet," the official said, "but it's too early to rule out a potential increase." Authorities recommend wearing masks in crowded areas and self-isolating if experiencing flu-like symptoms. Testing is advised for those showing signs of infection. Most tests so far have been conducted at Ludhiana's civil hospital, with the remainder done at private facilities.
Dr Dheeraj Aggarwal, president of the Ludhiana chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), echoed the need for public responsibility. "We believe many suspected cases are going unreported. Until new guidelines are issued, people should take general precautions — wear masks, wash hands, and maintain respiratory hygiene," he said. Dr Aggarwal stressed that individuals with cold or flu symptoms should consider it their civic duty to self-isolate to avoid spreading infections.
"It's time we start accepting COVID as part of daily life," he said.
Punjab health minister, Dr Balbir Singh, during a meeting with volunteer organisations on Friday, downplayed the situation, calling it "completely normal". He reiterated that the Punjab govt was equipped to manage any rise in infections. However, he advised immunocompromised individuals — including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses — to wear masks as a precaution.
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