Six zones have over 60% of active Covid cases in Chennai – Times of India

CHENNAI: About 63 % of city’s active cases are from six zones Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Anna Nagar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam and Adyar.
Out of the 7,878 active cases in the city as of Jan 5, 4,991 cases are from these six zones according to the last available zone-wise data from the city corporation.
Between December 30 and January 5, active cases in Tondiarpet and Royapuram went up five times, while zones such as Anna Nagar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam and Adyar saw a four-fold increase. Officials say these zones may contribute to higher cases for two reasons: one, because of the focussed testing and second, the second dose vaccination coverage could be lower than the city’s average.
While the city has vaccinated 70% of its eligible population, only 44% were covered in Tondiarpet, 66% in Royapuram, 60% in Anna Nagar, 49% in Teynampet, 56% in Kodambakkam and 61% in Adyar.
Dr Prabhdeep Kaur, Deputy Director of National Institute of Epidemiology, said the pattern of rise in cases is similar across the globe and the same is expected in the city.
“We need to look at the severity of infections and focus on the early diagnosis and treatment of the symptomatic people. With double-vaccination, the risk of severity is low. So, ensuring full vaccination coverage is important,” she said.
Infectious diseases specialist Dr Subramanian Swaminathan said only a hard-lockdown could help in slowing down the Covid trajectory, but it may cost the economy dearly.
“The Sunday restrictions alone may not achieve much results,” he added.