There are indications that Meghalaya could be reaching a peak in Covid-19 infections but there is no room for complacency as the numbers are still uncomfortably high.
There were a further 846 new coronavirus cases recorded in the state today, along with 752 recoveries and 10 Covid-related deaths.
Despite still adding more new cases than recoveries, the rolling average of new infections (on a seven-day basis) has dropped for the first time in Meghalaya since April 28. It now stands at 935.86, a fall of 3.71 on yesterday. There have also been improvements in the recovery rate and fatality rate in the state.
Nevertheless, no relaxation in Covid protocols can sensibly be considered. The curve is only plateauing at the moment; it has yet to turn the corner and move downhill. The period around April 28 should be a cautionary tale – at that stage Meghalaya was experiencing a slowdown in new case numbers but soon after they grew rapidly to make the state the unenviable Covid growth capital of the country.
Eight fatalities were added to East Khasi Hills’ figures today, with one each in West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills. Seven out of the 10 had Covid-19 pneumonia listed as a cause of death. The others were brought dead to hospital.
The deceased were identified as Probity Shylla (57) of Khliehriat, Anup Das (29) of Dawki Bahur, Jit Bahadur Gurung (50) of Jhalupara, Gaj Bahadur Chettri (84) of Upper Shillong, Moli Lamin (74) of Mawlai Mawdatbaki, Therin Tariang (77) of Pynursla, Chelsing Kharpran (30) of Sohryngkham, Phar Sari (85) of Lad Mukhla, Kishore Kharka (62) of Nongmynsong and Ker Dkhar (40) Madan Tyrpait.
East Khasi Hills accounted for 527 of today’s reported infections, including eight among armed forces/paramilitaries, one police personnel, in Golf Links, 25 in Jaiaw, 15 in Laban, 21 in Laitumkhrah, 81 in Mawlai, 11 in Mawprem, 11 in Nongmynsong, 12 in Nongrah, 31 in Nongthymmai, 10 in Pynursla, 13 in Rynjah, 12 in Shella and 266 in various other neighbourhood clusters and categories.
South West Khasi Hills took second spot with 84 new cases (36 in Mawlangwir, 28 in Nonglang, 1 health worker, 19 others), West Garo Hills 72 (one health worker, two returnees, eight in Rishipara, 61 others), South West Garo Hills 43 (25 in Garobadha, one health worker, eight in Zikzak, nine others), East Jaintia Hills 36 (20 in Deinsatlang, one returnee, 15 others), North Garo Hills 23 (six in Mendipathar, 17 others), West Jaintia Hills 19 (six through screening, 13 others), East Garo Hills 19 (two health workers, three police, 14 others), Ri-Bhoi 18 (one health worker, 17 others) and South Garo Hills five (one police, four others).
There were also 752 recoveries today – a record 548 in East Khasi Hills, 92 in Ri-Bhoi, 44 in West Jaintia Hills, 22 in East Jaintia Hills, 22 in West Garo Hills, seven in South West Garo Hills, six in South Garo Hills, six in North Garo Hills, three in East Garo Hills and two in South West Khasi Hills.
There are now 8,055 active Covid-19 cases in the state. East Khasi Hills alone accounts for 4,232 active cases, Ri-Bhoi 1,238, West Garo Hills 620, West Jaintia Hills 531, South West Garo Hills 377, East Jaintia Hills 237, South West Khasi Hills 197, North Garo Hills 182, West Khasi Hills 160, South Garo Hills 147 and East Garo Hills 134.
In all, Meghalaya has had 32,295 Covid-19 cases, of which 8,055 are active, 23,728 have recovered and 512 have died from the virus. The recovery rate has increased to 73.47 percent. The fatality rate has decreased to 1.59 percent. The seven-day rolling average for new cases now stands at 935.86.
