On a day Covid-19 cases are set to cross way beyond the 4-lakh mark, that could make India the world’s second worst-hit nation replacing Brazil, the Government on Thursday sought to project the positive side by stating that the per million Covid-19 cases in the country is much lesser when compared to other countries in the world.
It also cited that deaths per million (population) in India is among the lowest in the world — 49 deaths per million population.
Talking to reporters here, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhsuhan said that five States —Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra — account for 62 per cent of the total active coronavirus cases in the country while Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra account for 70 per cent of the total coronavirus deaths in India.
“There has been 13.7 percent weekly decrease in the number of active cases in Andhra Pradesh, 16.1 percent decrease in Karnataka, 6.8 percent decrease in Maharashtra and 23.9 percent decrease in Tamil Nadu, 17.1 percent decrease in Uttar Pradesh,” he said.
Bhsuhan also appealed to the people to adopt Covid-19 appropriate behaviour as Unlock 4.0 is already afoot and more people are out on the streets. “The Government has adopted a graded approach to unlock the country and open up various economic activities as while lives are important, so is livelihood.”
During a press briefing here on Thursday, the ministry observed that people are sidelining the use of masks and following of social distancing protocols.
It urged people to follow the mandatory practice of adopting Covid-19 appropriate behaviour in view of the upcoming festival season and the ongoing examinations being conducted across the country.
“In a few days, we will be into the festival season and currently various examinations in colleges and universities are being held countrywide. In such times, Covid appropriate behaviour should be followed at the community and social levels,” said Bhushan.
He also said that until a vaccine for Covid-19 arrives, social distancing is the only vaccine. “Social distancing is the social vaccine till any vaccine for coronavirus arrives,” he said.
“Use alcohol-based sanitisers, wear reusable face covers or masks at all times in public places, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and cover them with tissue/handkerchief while sneezing or coughing. This way, we can prevent the spread of the infection and safeguard ourselves from its contraction,” Bhushan said.