Cases rose in Ahmedabad’s careless western part

AHMEDABAD: Our carelessness in observing basic precautions — such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing — led to a dramatic rise in Covid cases between May 18 and June 10. This marked increase is seen in the posh western part of the city.

In this period, Chandlodia has seen a 150% rise in cases, Ghatlodia has recorded a 120% spike, Bodakdev has registered a 97% spurt, and Naranpura saw a 56% jump.In Thaltej, cases rose by 32%, while in the Gota-Sola area the rise was by 46%. There have been 17 studies all over the world suggesting that wearing masks can reduce Covid transmission rates by at least 77% and also cut case growth rate drastically. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also stresses the importance of wearing masks.
A senior official cited the example of Sachin Tower which is shown in the pink zone by the Aarogya Setu ITIHAS mobile tracking data. “Those who do not wear masks are not bothered and are indifferent to the safety of other vulnerable people around them,” said a senior health official. “The social distancing circles outside provision stores or milk booths are not being used. Moreover, 50% of people do not wear masks in areas such as Bopal, Prahladnagar, and Navrangpura.” People are feeling that the crisis period is over because of which complacency is setting in, the official said. “Such violations will only lead to a geometric rise in cases and even more so during Covid’s second wave,” he said.
“Studies in the Lancet journal state that each infected person can transmit the virus to 2.76 people in a day,” the official said. “This will rise geometrically in three weeks.” The official also cited the example of Jamalpur area which during the containment period had seen a 65% decline in cases. But as it emerged out of the containment period, it registered a rise from 9 cases to 37 cases between May 18 and June 10.