Nagaland sees alarming rise in percentage of traced contacts among Covid-19 cases

Health department says there is increasing risk of spread in the community

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Oct. 17 (EMN): An alarming rise in the percentage of traced contacts among Covid-19 cases in Nagaland has prompted Health officials to conclude that it is an indication of shift of cases towards the community.

As per the Health department’s weekly data, the percentage of traced contacts among confirmed cases has increased from 7% in July to 56% by mid-October.   

“Yet again, the 21-40 age group is the most affected among traced contacts (at 53%). It is again reiterated that infection in the old and high-risk groups immediately follows after infection in the young,” it stated.

The 716 samples reported this week is the second highest number of confirmed cases till date with a positivity rate of 16%, according to the department.

“There has been a gradual increase in cases after the 3rd week of September. The week also reported the highest number of traced contacts till date,” it added.  

The positivity rate among office goers (27%) and household contacts (26%) also continue to increase; the state’s sample positivity rate of 8.5% is higher than the national average (7.9%).

“The positivity rate among students also remains high at 16%. SOP for prevention of infection in workplaces and schools should be implemented urgently. We continue to see uncontrolled spread in closed settings like restaurants, bakery, religious communities, thereby increasing risk of spread in the community.

“These are settings where super spreader events happen. The 3Ws should be followed vigorously. Social events and gatherings should be avoided. Dine in at restaurants should be avoided and takeaways should be the new norm. Unavoidable social events should be held with maximum precautions as per laid down SOP,” the department reiterated.

Symptomatic cases have increased to 4% and positives among people with co-morbidities have also increased to 0.4%.

“We expect more hospitalisations and severe cases in the coming days. Positivity of patients coming to flu clinics is 4% which keeps on increasing every week. Fever (81%) and cough (53%) are the most common reported symptoms in the state among Covid-19 cases. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases can transmit the disease even though symptomatic cases transmit more,” it added.

Also, the department informed that a total of 22,859 quarantine violations have been received from the PHQ through digital monitoring. “One must quarantine mandatorily for 14 days once someone falls under high risk category/if you are a traveller, so that you do not risk people around you,” it reminded.