COVID-19 cases continue to rise in T'gana; 71 fresh cases on Tuesday

(Eds: Updating with minister's comments)

Hyderabad, May 26 () COVID-19 cases continued its sharp rise in Telangana, with 71 fresh infections reported on Tuesday, taking the number of people found positive for the virus to 1,991.

Health Minister E Rajender said the government is prepared to provide treatment even if the number of patients goes up to one lakh.

The health department said one person succumbed to the virus, taking COVID-19 related deaths till date to 57.

As many as 120 people were discharged on Tuesday and the number of cured/discharged till date stood at 1,284.

The number of people under treatment as on date was 650, it said in a bulletin.

Out of the 71 positive cases, 55 were from Telangana. While Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation accounted for 38 cases, 17 were reported from different districts.

Four foreign evacuees and 12 migrants, who arrived in the state recently, also tested positive, the bulletin added.

The number of virus-related deaths has been on the rise in the state since May 19, when it stood at 38.

Rajender held a meeting with the superintendent of the state-run Gandhi hospital where COVID-19 patients are admitted and discussed the treatment being given to patients, among other issues.

The minister, who enquired about the details of patients who are in need of critical care, directed the superintendent to make efforts to ensure that every such patient recovers, an official release said.

The hospital official informed the minister that 30 patients are in Intensive Care Units at present.

Rajender said the government is prepared to provide treatment even if the number of patients goes up to one lakh.

However, the treatment is being given only at the Gandhi hospital (which has been converted into a COVID-19 hospital) at present, he said.

A separate official release quoted Rajender as having said that the Telangana government is trying to acquire more ventilators as they are crucial in the treatment of COVID-19 patients who develop respiratory-related problems.

The state government has also urged the Centre to provide 1,000 ventilators, Rajender said.

The state government has placed orders for new ventilators, the minister said, adding that ventilators which had not been in use due to minor problems are being used aftercarrying out repairs. SJR APR RAVINDRANATH APR RAVINDRANATH