Diwali celebrations

Pune: For some, the COVID-19 has barred them from reuniting with their families in their hometowns. Many are stuck with work from home while many are bored with the ‘new normal’. Now in Diwali, people have started planning for trips while many are planning to celebrate the festival of lights in a grand manner. But hold on, though the cases in Pune city are gone down, dark clouds of COVID-19 are still looming.

According to experts, the cases of COVID-19 may go up post-Diwali. Thus, the administration is urging Punekars to celebrate the festival in low grandeur.

August proved to worst for Pune as average 2,125 cases were recorded per day. Earlier months also witnessed a surge in new cases resulting in an inadequate supply of oxygenated and ICU beds. Many patients also lost their lives as they did not receive timely treatment from the doctors. From last few weeks, the transmission rate is curtailed as nearly 150 cases are found on a daily basis.

Currently, markets are crowded for the Diwali festival. At many places, many people are venturing without a mask and social distancing is flouted. It is feared that the virus which is flattening its curve in the past few days may surge post-Diwali. The health department estimates that the number of new cases may increase by 10 to 15 per cent. This sums up that in coming days, over 2,500 patients will be reported per day.

Dr Sanjeev Wavre, Assistant Health Officer, PMC said, “The city is witnessing a huge crowd due to the festival. The cases of novel coronavirus may surge in coming 14-28 days.” Currently, 2,500-2,700 tests are conducted daily in the city.

Rubal Agarwal, Additional Commissioner, PMC, informed, “The second wave of the COVID-19 may witness over 2,500 patients per day and the number of active cases may go up to 20,000. Even if cases surge, the administration will be ready to cater to the healthcare service to all.”