Tirupati: Suspected cases of Covid-19 have once again caused a wave of concern in Tirupati, as four individuals were tested positive in the Covid rapid tests conducted at the S.V.R. Ruia Government General Hospital.
In response to the escalating number of Covid-19 cases in neighbouring states, the health department has taken measures by establishing additional Covid testing centres at Ruia hospital, as well as in area hospitals across the Tirupati district. Over 20 individuals underwent rapid tests at Ruia hospital on Wednesday and Thursday, with four individuals showing suspected positive results. Among these, three are from Tirupati, while one individual hails from Bengaluru.
According to sources, presently, a suspected patient from Tirupati and a 70-year-old woman from Bengaluru, who visited Tirumala, are receiving treatment at Ruia hospital. These two patients have been isolated in the hospital’s designated Covid isolation ward and are receiving specialised care. Meanwhile, two individuals from Tirupati, who showed no symptoms of Covid, are in good health and are currently under home isolation.
Upon learning about the suspected cases, district medical and health officer (DMHO) Dr U. Srihari, along with hospital superintendent Ravi Prabhu, conducted an inspection of Ruia Hospital's Covid testing centre, isolation facilities, and oxygen beds. Dr Srihari emphasised that those tested positive in rapid tests are considered Covid suspects, and confirmation as Covid-positive patients only occurs after a subsequent RT-PCR test.
“Those who tested positive on rapid tests are only suspected cases until confirmed by RT-PCR,” Dr Srihari told the Deccan Chronicle. He said that special attention is being given to individuals with suspected cases, and necessary treatment will be provided accordingly. Stating that testing capacity had been increased to over 100 tests daily across the district, Dr Srihari urged the public to prioritise safety measures, including wearing masks, using sanitizers, and adhering to Covid-19 regulations.
