Hyderabad (Telangana): The Telangana health department on Thursday said that the next four-five weeks are extremely crucial in the state's fight against COVID-19, and urged citizens to stay extremely careful in the coming few weeks.
Addressing a press conference, Director of Public Health Dr G Srinivasa Rao said, "The coming four-five weeks are extremely crucial for the state. Already the cases are reducing in Hyderabad, but our concern is the other cities. People have to be extremely careful."
Hinting that the virus might have entered into the community and local transmission in the state, the health officials urged people to get tested and treated at the nearest health centres in case they develop any COVID-19 symptoms.
"Please do not ignore it as a mere fever or cough. If the situation worsens due to this in the future, there is a possibility that we might not be able to save lives even if we want to," Rao said.
Accompanying Rao at the press conference was Director of Medical Education Dr K Ramesh Reddy, who similarly urged people to visit their nearest government health centre in case they develop any symptoms.
"If you test positive for the virus, there is no need to come to Hyderabad. This is a period where we must look to decongest," Reddy said, stressing that every district in the state has been equipped with the required facilities.
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Reddy added that clear instructions have been passed on to ensure that serious patients are first stabilised at the district level itself, and if required, they will be sent to higher referral centres.
Meanwhile, the tally of COVID-19 cases in Telangana crossed 50,000 on Thursday with 1,567 new cases being reported. The number of deaths rose to 447 after nine more people died of the virus.
Of the 1,567 cases, 662 were reported from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits followed by Ranga Reddy and Warangal urban districts with 213 and 75 cases respectively. The total number of cases stood at 50,826.
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With the state government ramping up testing, the cumulative sample positivity rate has been on the decline since the last several days.
The health bulletin said the government has made elaborate arrangements for treating COVID-19 patients and that sufficient beds are available in government hospitals.
It said people can contact 9154170960 on Whatsapp for any grievances on private hospitals/laboratories.
(With inputs from PTI)
