Doubling rate of corona virus cases in country slows down to over 13 days: Health Ministry

Government has said that the decision of nationwide lockdown has helped contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. In a press briefing by Health Ministry, Dr. V K Paul, Chairman of one of the empowered groups formed for handling COVID related matters, said, doubling rate of Covid-19 cases was 3.4 days when lockdown was started and it is now at 13.3 days.

He said, the lockdown proved gainful in terms of preparedness. He said that 80 per cent of the novel corona virus cases are concentrated in primarily five states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. Mr. Paul informed that Covid-19 specific health infrastructure was created, testing capacity was increased, healthcare workers gained experience and confidence to fight with the virus due to the nationwide lockdown.

Mr. Paul said, 10 crore people are using Arogya Setu app and telemedicine is increasing day by day. He said, one crore treatments have been done under the Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana which is a great achievement. Dr. Paul infomred that 14 thousand Health and Wellness centres have been commissioned so far.