India Fight Against Coronavirus: Observation from 4th July 2020 Data

A few observations from 4th July 2020 (National Data) on coronavirus pandemic:-

1. COVID19 new case count increased by 5.7% to hit the highest ever daily count of 24,018 on 4th July with 7-days and 14-days averages of 20,617 and 18,1875 respectively. A conclusive trend reversal is still elusive. Proactive measures by states can only help to control the spread.

2. Daily growth rate of the active cases increased to 3.66% with a 7 days growth rate to 2.73% on 4th July. The daily and 7-days growth must fall to flatten the swelling corona curve.

3. The doubling period of active cases has increased to 26.7 days on 4th July with 7-days growth rate of 2.73%.

4. Doubling period of the confirmed cases was 21.1 days with a growth rate of 3.5% on 4th July. The incremental decline in the growth rate continues increasing the doubling period but it is due to increasing base than any other factor.

5. The daily testing capacity has increased to 2,48,934 with a 7-days average of 2,23,038 on 4th July. Considering the significant numbers of asymptotic patients, testing capacity must increase manifolds to stop the spread.

6. The overall positivity rate increased to 6.88% with a daily positivity at 9.65% on 4th July. Testing and tracing would have to be coupled with strict social distancing practices.

7. The overall recovery rate was 60.7% on 4th July with a decreased daily recovery rate. To improve the daily recovery rates, the recovery period must fall. It is feasible only with a coronavirus specific medicine or vaccine for the treatment of the patients.

8. The overall case fatality rate has slightly decreased by 1 basis point to 2.86% on 4th July. Case fatality rate is expected to remain below the 3% mark.

9. The daily death count was above the 7-days average. In absence of proper treatment the case fatality rate will increase. India must save human lives.

Rajeev Upadhyay