Superspreader events behind new Covid-19 surge: Niti Aayog member V K Paul

Superspreader events such as weddings have most likely driven the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in India, according to preliminary assessments by the Union government.

On Saturday, India saw 40,953 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, the highest single-day rise recorded in 111 days.

“That (role of superspreader events) is what it looks like, as people have become lax in their behaviour. We must understand that there is still a large section of population that is vulnerable, especially in villages. We cannot afford to lower our guard at this stage, and should avoid mass gatherings as it can become superspreading events,” a report by Hindustan Times quoted Dr V K Paul, NITI Aayog member (Health) as saying.

Also read: Amid second wave scare, India reports over 40,000 new Covid-19 cases

Paul also stressed the need for testing. "RT-PCR testing has to increase in districts that are reporting high positivity rate,” he added.

After a steady decline in the number of Covid-19 cases for about five months, for the last few weeks, the number is showing an increasing trend in several parts of the country. Earler this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called for "quick and decisive" steps to stop the emerging "second peak" of Covid-19.

Also read: PM Modi says quick steps needed to stop second Covid-19 peak

Echoing Paul's statement, in a communication to the chief secretaries of all the states and Union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on March 19 stated that the rise in cases is largely due to laxity in the observance of Covid-19-appropriate behaviour by people, especially at crowded places.

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He said keeping in view the fresh spike in the number of cases and the upcoming festivals, it will be important to ensure compliance with the guidelines and strictly enforce Covid-appropriate behaviour such as wearing face masks, maintaining hand hygiene and social distancing among people.

The report also stated that the Punjab government had found at least 30 superspreader instances, where over 10 cases were reported from a single event.

(With PTI inputs)