If you are 30-39 years, you’re at highest virus risk

Of 4,000 cases in city between 21 May-1 June, 920 found in 30 to 39 age group and working population

As Covid-19 cases are seeing a rise, the 20-39 years age group is again making up for a majority of the new cases. Of the 3,962 cases registered between May 21 and June 1 in the city, 1,621 were from this age group. And, 920 of these were from those aged 30-39. Gender and age analysis shows that this is similar to the earlier waves. Youngsters and the working class are the most affected ones. The rate of hospitalisation, however, remains low as most patients are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.

On Friday, BMC commissioner I S Chahal asked officials to increase the number of daily tests. “The experts from IIT Kanpur predicted the fourth wave in July. Their earlier predictions proved correct, so we should take maximum precaution. The test positivity rate increased to 8 per cent, which is a warning sign. Currently, the number of daily tests is around 8,000 and it should be increased to 30,000,” he said.

A health worker collects a swab sample at LTT, Kurla. File pic

Of the 10.40 lakh cases which were analysed since the first wave, 3.88 lakh or 37 per cent were from the 20-39 age group while 77,000 were aged below 19. After cases started rising from May 20, the 20-39 age group makes up for around 41 per cent of the overall cases while those aged below 19 account for 12 per cent cases. 

“Most of the cases are detected through mandatory testing such as international air travel or hospital surgeries, but now we have increased surveillance,” said an official from the BMC. 

Also Read: Maharashtra health dept asks district, civic officials to increase Covid-19 testing

“The sub-lineage of the Omicron variant is found in Maharashtra. The symptoms are minor but the infection speed is higher than the earlier variants. Hospitalisation is still on the lower side and very few patients need oxygen support or ventilation,” said Dr Mangala Gomare, executive health officer of the BMC. 

On the slow pace of vaccination among kids, she said, “Schools are going to start, so our priority is to increase vaccination in the younger generation. We are even appealing to people above 18 years to take booster shots from private centres.”

Age analysis of 3,962 cases 
Age-group    Cases
0-9    123
10-19    341
20-29    701
30-39    920
40-49    643
50-59    503
60-69    373
70-79    250
80-89    95
90<    13

8,000
Average no. of tests conducted daily currently

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!