Social, political events responsible for surge in COVID-19 cases in Agartala: Study

Social events and political rallies have led to a rise in COVID-19 cases in Tripura capital after lockdown was withdrawn on August 5, a study conducted by state government said.

survey, carried out by ministration of West Tripura district of which Agartala is a part, showed that COVID-19 tally started rising from August 17.

" lockdown was lifted on August 5. We found that COVID-19 caselo was increasing from August 17, and a sharp growth was ticed from August 26.

"Many social functions, including 3,000 weddings and some pujas, and political rallies took place in district after lockdown restrictions were withdrawn," West Tripura District Magistrate Sailesh Kumar Yav said on Saturday.

People became relaxed and y did t follow health safety rms, he said.

"This is only reason behind increase in number of COVID-19 cases in district, mainly in Agartala," Yav said.

Currently, 2,400 patients are under home isolation in district and 1,674 of m are in state capital. y are being provided free ration, he said.

district ministration started mapping of coronavirus cases to deal with situation and identified 10 wards under Agartala Municipal Corporation to conduct more tests.

"We are conducting 400-700 tests every day in se places. We have detected three hotspot areas in Agartala," he said.

Delays in visiting hospitals are among reasons for increased deaths, he ded. PTI JOY BDC BDC