Half of the Bengalureans may have come in contact with a Covid positive patient

Bengaluru: It is likely that nearly half of the city’s population has met a Covid positive person or their contact. BBMP had identified 48.5 lakh people as their contacts of Covid-19 patients as of May 1.

This is about 45 per cent of the city’s population as estimated in 2020. Out of the 48.5 lakh contacts, over 23.2 lakh are primary and around 23.5 lakh are secondary.

According to the state war room’s data, no contacts were traced for more than 40 per cent of the cases in the city for the week ending of April 25. This indicates that all primary and secondary contacts are being identified.

Laura Gupta, BBMP chief commissioner said, “Tracing and tracking of contacts is a challenge. Now that they have been tracked, primary contacts, especially those from the immediate family, will be tested for Covid-19. The process has begun, and we have been covering a good number each day.”

Gupta requested the citizens to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and aid authorities in breaking the chain as the second wave is becoming more severe. He added, “We are putting in our best effort, but people should also help us. They shouldn’t move out unless it is essential and must avoid gathering in groups. Masks and double masks, wherever necessary, must become second nature to people stepping out.”

On conducting a zone-wise analysis, it has been found that Bengaluru south has the highest number, followed by Bengaluru West. Other zones have more secondary contacts rather than the primary ones.

More than 2.1 lakh people were in active quarantine in BBMP limits as of May 1. Some 9,000-odd were listed as those outside the Palike limits but within the city’s periphery. Most people are in quarantine in Bengaluru south, followed by east and west zones.