Are Covid infections rising in Manipur with 18 new cases?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 18 new Covid cases reported in Manipur.
- Total active cases now at 189.
- Positivity rate is 30.5%.
- First case reported on June 9.
- State officials are enhancing preparedness.
Imphal, June 25 (NationPress) In Manipur, the Covid-19 situation continues to escalate with the announcement of 18 new confirmed cases on Wednesday, pushing the overall active case count to 189, as reported by officials from the Health department.
The state's Health officials indicated that a total of 59 samples were tested that day, revealing 18 positive results across four districts: Imphal West (13 cases), Imphal East (3 cases), and one case each in Chandel and Thoubal.
Among the 189 reported cases, 131 originated from Imphal West, 43 from Imphal East, seven from Thoubal, along with four in Bishnupur, two in Tengnoupal, and one each in Kakching and Chandel.
Notably, with the exception of the tribal areas in Tengnoupal, the other five districts are part of the Imphal Valley region. Currently, the Covid-19 positivity rate in Manipur is reported at 30.5%.
There are 138 individuals with Covid who are currently under home quarantine.
The first Covid case in Manipur was reported on June 9, involving a 23-year-old woman from Bishnupur district who exhibited Covid-like symptoms.
Her samples were examined in a private clinic in Imphal on June 5, with results confirmed on June 9.
Director of Manipur Health Services Chambo Gonmei urged the public to maintain vigilance due to the infection's spread in other regions.
Health experts suggest that the increase in cases can be attributed to various factors, including a lapse in adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior, a decrease in booster vaccinations, and the rise of new variants that, while more contagious, show milder symptoms.
The onset of the monsoon season has also contributed, as people tend to stay indoors more, fostering conditions conducive to viral spread.
In response to the situation, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla presided over a Covid-19 review meeting at the Raj Bhavan.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh and senior medical officials from the Health Department.
This review was prompted by recent guidance from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to enhance preparedness amid concerns over a potential Covid-19 resurgence.
An official from Raj Bhavan stated that health officials briefed the Governor on the state's preparedness, covering diagnostics, protective equipment, oxygen supply, ICU and isolation wards, essential medications, and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme-Integrated Health Information Platform portal.
Governor Bhalla underscored the necessity for proactive measures, sufficient medical infrastructure, and community awareness to equip the state for any possible surge in cases.