Five-fold rise in number of containment zones in Patna

PATNA: With the increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Patna, containment zones in the state capital have gone up to 47 — nearly 5 times the number of such zones that existed in April.
As per data available with TOI, there were 10 containment zones in Patna on April 29. This figure went up to 15 by mid-May. At present, there are 1,664 houses in 47 containment zones.
The increase in the number of containment zones is because of the corresponding rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in Patna.State health department data states that altogether 529 Covid-19 cases have been registered in the district so far. This is the highest number registered in any district in the state.
But much to the relief of the health authorities, over 50% people have recovered and this figure stands at 290. With five deaths of Covid-19 positive persons in Patna, active cases stand at 234.
Some of the important areas in the capital which have been declared as containment zones include Buddha Colony, Bhattacharya Road, AMS Park (Boring Road), PC Colony, Kasim Colony in Sultanganj, an apartment in ward number 23 in Boring Road, Gaighat in Alamganj, Mainpura, Khajekala, Ashok Chakra gali and Mogalpura in Patna City, Kamla Nehru Nagar. Several localities of Danapur, Dhanarua and Phulwarisharif have also been declared as containment zones.
Patna civil surgeon Dr RK Choudhary said all containment zones are sealed and unnecessary movement is not allowed. “People are allowed in or out only when very urgent and that too following all safety measures,” said Dr Chaudhary.
He further asked people to be more cautious as cases were increasing with each passing day. “Even though cases are increasing, several people are now not taking this issue seriously. Since a vaccine is not available, there are just two options, put a mask whenever you go out and avoid going to public places, unless it is very necessary.”