Bengaluru witnesses high Covid deaths

• Weekly CFR peaked  early this month

Bengaluru: Covid-related deaths continued to be high in Karnataka with 304 patients succumbing to the virus Monday, taking the toll to 31920.  Bengaluru alone recorded 199 deaths.

The state reported 11958 new Covid cases, taking the total active cases to 2,38,824. The Test Positivity Rate went marginally up to 9.08% while the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 2.84%. Bengaluru reported 1992 new Covid cases and Mysuru 1213.

Worry in Bengaluru

The CFR for Bengaluru remains a worry. According to Covid war room data, the weekly CFR in Bengaluru peaked during the May 29-June 4 week to touch 7%. This was the highest spike seen in 2021 so far. During this period, the city witnessed 25,699 fresh Covid-19 cases and 1,797 deaths.

However, in a relief, the case positivity rate is falling. From May 29 to June 4, civic authorities conducted 4.2 lakh tests and the case positivity rate stood at 6%. It was nearly 12% in the previous week. The weekly positivity rate was highest between May 1 and 7 with 38.6% when 78,903 had tested positive for Covid-19 from 3.9 lakh tests done.

Authorities say that the high CFR is because the denominator — or total positive cases — was less.

 Need to reduce CFR

“We have to reduce the CFR to less than 1% and efforts are on to this effect. We are analysing the pattern of deaths, especially with regard to brought-dead cases, deaths occurring in home isolation, deaths post discharge,” P Rajendra Cholan, special commissioner (health), BBMP (civic body), was quoted in the media.

Nearly 80% of the deaths are among senior citizens with comorbidities. The civic body is checking on the vaccination status of senior citizens who have succumbed to Covid. “Nearly 20% of the deaths are among youngsters and middle-aged without comorbidities. This is worrisome,” said Cholan.