COVID-19 task force advises people of age 55 and above to not take symptoms lightly

As Maharashtra witnesses, a surge in the number of coronavirus cases, the state’s COVID-19 task force has advised high-risk patients of the age 55 and above -- especially with comorbidities -- to not take symptoms of coronavirus lightly.

Those with comorbid conditions and/or suffering from non-communicable diseases would be tested for COVID-19 on priority in a bid to avert sudden fatalities and put a check on the rapidly rising number of patients. The authorities have also advised people to get tested within 48 hours of developing a high fever.

People with diabetes and hypertension are among those who come under the high-risk category. Hence, the task force’s biggest concern is that people with symptoms would not seek treatment on time, and would delay approaching health authorities.

To deal with the second wave of the pandemic, the authorities would concentrate on three things – tracing the patients, identifying high risks and preserving manpower. However, tracing the patient is the most crucial part therefore, there has been an increase in RT-PCR testing.

The authorities have also told task force members to see to it that people are wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines. The doctors on the frontline have reported an emerging trend of COVID-19 cases being imported from other states.

According to BMC officials, doctors have said that a majority of the cases involve wedding shoppers from Rajasthan and Gujarat, states that are already in crisis mode, as well as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Hence, on November 24, the BMC announced that it will be screening outstation train commuters by spot testing for coronavirus symptoms at various railway stations from Wednesday, November 25 as the number of COVID-19 cases witnesses a surge in the city.

Read here: Long queues at railway stations for screening on day 1; 10 passengers tested positive

Meanwhile, as Maharashtra government’s new travel rules kicked in on November 25, thousands of people were seen waiting in the long queues at railway stations, state borders and airports in Mumbai to get screened for the coronavirus.