With continuous spike in COVID-19 positive cases, the union territory of Chandigarh on Thursday crossed 1000-mark.  The city reported 38 fresh infections taking the total tally to 1016.

In July alone, 573 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in Chandigarh, which is a joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. A day before, Chandigarh had reported its biggest single-day spike with 44 cases. 

“38 persons were tested positive for Covid-19. The total number of cases stands at 1016 which includes 355 active cases,” stated Chandigarh Health Department’s evening bulletin.

The fresh cases were reported from Sectors 10, 11, 12, 15, 25, 26, 33, 38, 39, 40, 46, 48, PGIMER, Dhanas, Mauli Jagran, Manimajra, Kishangarh, Burail, Khuda Lahora and Khuda Jassu, the bulletin stated.

With 36 new recoveries, the recovered patients have reached 647 in the city. The recovery rate of COVID-19 patients is recorded 63 percent, the bulletin stated.

13683 samples have been tested so far in the city.

Commenting on the surge in positive cases, Dr Ramneek Singh Bedi, former president Indian Medical Association, Chandigarh and advisor, World Medical Association said testing needs to be increased in the city as we are still not testing enough people. Self testing kits should be procured, as in USA, Singapore etc, he added.

The first positive case of Covid-19 in the union territory was reported on March 19. The positive had crossed 100-mark on May 4, 200-mark on May 19, 300-mark on June 2, 400-mark on June 20, 500-mark on July 8, 600-mark on July 14, 700-mark on July 19, 800-mark on July 23 and 900-mark on July 27.

With 14 COVID-19 fatalities recorded so far in the city, the fatality rate is 1.37 percent in the union territory.