'Is There Any Definite Pattern Of Spread?': Andhra Pradesh High Court Asks State To List Reasons For Rise In Covid-19 Cases In 3 Districts

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has sought State Government's response on the rise in Covid-19 cases in three particular districts of the State, namely- East Godavari, West Godavari and Chittoor. It has ordered the authorities to present district wise positivity rate in the State over a period of last fifteen days and also to indicate if there is any definite pattern causing the spread.

A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Arup Kumar Goswami and Justice Ninala Jayasurya ordered thus:

"By the next date fixed, Mr. C. Sumon (State counsel) will place before the Court in a tabular form the positivity rate in each of the Districts over a period of last fifteen days and also indicate as to whether there is any definite pattern of spread of the virus in any particular areas or it is spreading without there being any definite pattern."

The development comes after Amicus Curiae YV Ravi Prasad suggested that efforts should be made by the State Government to find out whether there is any incidence in particular areas so as to combat the pandemic more effectively by adopting different strategies.

"If there is large scale incidence in particular areas, steps may also be taken to declare such areas as containment zones," Prasad suggested while highlighting the importance of micro-level management in arresting the spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, the Court said that the aspects concerning availability of Liposomal amphotericin B injections, other drugs/injections and correct reflection of Covid-19 deaths for paying compensation will be considered on the next date of hearing.

The Court had earlier sought response of the Centre and the State Government on the matters concerning allocation of Amphotericin B Injections to different states and also about the steps taken by the State to tackle third Covid-19 wave situation.

During the course of hearing on Friday, the State Government had apprised the Court about the active number of black fungus cases in the State, which was on the rise. However, the Amicus Curiae had submitted that there is a discrepancy in the projection of the State as well as the Centre by a huge margin of 1700.

On the aspect of vaccination, the State Government apprised the Court that in the age group of 45+, 93,32,000 were given first dose of vaccination and 25,23,000 were given second dose. Additionally, it was informed that in age group of 18-45, first dose of vaccination was given to 22,33,000 persons and 28,000 had also got the second dose.

Examining the said aspects, the Court posted the matter for further hearing on July 22.

Click Here To Read Order