CHENNAI: Meanwhile, fresh cases crossed the 400-mark after February 27 when cases were on the decline after the Omicron-fuelled third wave. Director of public health Dr T S Selvavinayagam said this time BA4 and BA5 variants are causing the surge. "The only way to stop the spread is by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Senior citizens and people with comorbid conditions must get themselves vaccinated adequately," he said.
The surge has pushed up the positivity rate in many districts. While the percentage of patients admitted to hospitals is low, experts say there may be an increase in absolute numbers. An increase in infections, according to National Institute of Epidemiology deputy director Dr Prabhdeep Kaur, will give the virus a chance to mutate so it can adapt itself to the new host. New mutations can be challenging because they can make vaccinations redundant.
After Chennai, Chengalpet (95) reported the highest number of cases, followed by Coimbatore (26) and The Nilgiris (23). Kancheepuram reported 21 new cases while Kanyakumari and Tiruvallur reported 20 new cases each. Salem reported six new cases, followed by five each in Trichy and Vellore. Two people from the UAE, one each from Malaysia and the US tested positive for the infection besides one patient from UP. Fourteen districts reported no new covid cases, but only three - Mayiladuthurai, Namakkal and Ramanathapuram - had no active cases. Public health officials said the surge in Chennai and the adjoining areas is now having a effect on other districts as well.
Of the 1,938 active patients, 119 were admitted to isolation wards in hospitals.
