In current surge, 42.6% +ve in 20-44 age group in Panchkula

Amit Bathla
Tribune News Service
Panchkula, March 25

As many as 42.63 per cent of those found positive for the coronavirus in the past week fall in the 20-44 age group, which is yet to be covered under the ongoing vaccination drive.

Of the 652 cases reported from March 18 to March 24, 278 belonged to the 20-44 age group. They are the ones who step out of their houses for professional reasons and hence are more susceptible to the virus.

While 22.39 per cent (146) were from the 45-59 age group, 17.02 per cent (111) were from the under-19 age group and 17.94 per cent (117) from the above 60 age group. At present, anyone above 60 is eligible to take the Covid vaccine.

Besides, those between 45 and 59 with specific comorbidities can also receive the vaccine.

From April 1, anyone above 45 years of age, irrespective of comorbid conditions, can get the vaccine shot.

Recently, the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, had asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase the vaccination coverage since the new mutant had been found to be infecting young people more.

The Civil Surgeon, Dr Jasjeet Kaur, said, "This particular age group is the most vulnerable to the virus due to its high rate of mobility. Those falling in this age group also seem to be casual in observing Covid appropriate behaviour."

There has been a surge in the daily Covid-19 cases in Panchkula, with the district reporting 129 Covid infections on March 19.

To combat the fresh surge, the district administration, in coordination with the Health Department, has taken several measures, including scaling up Covid-19 testing and formation of a district-level team for intensive contact tracing of positive patients. The district has also ramped up the vaccination campaign.

In a two-day mega vaccination drive held on Monday and Tuesday, a total of 6,606 persons were administered the Covid vaccine.

Even though the target was to vaccinate 8,000 people, the Heath Department attributed the low turnout to bad weather.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3cospwk