The first two phases of corona virus-induced lock down were able to save up to 78,000 lives and avert as many as 29 lakh COVID-19 cases, according to government data released by Niti Aayog member Vinod Paul on Friday. These phases also spurred the rate of testing across India and saw more effective preparations to fight COVID-19, the study said.
Paul underlined the findings of several epidemic modeling exercises undertaken by experts to evaluate the gains of lock down (imposed in India) that came into effect on March 25 and have been extended three times, now until May 31. He added that the situation would have been much worse, had the lock down not been imposed.
Assimilating estimates from 5 different studies, the study titled ‘Lock down: India’s timely public health measure to fight COVID-19 pandemic’ stated that 14-29 lakh new cases were averted between the first half of nationwide lock down. Meanwhile, 37,000-78,000 deaths were also averted during the same period, it further added. The lock down measures also helped in minimizing the number of people spreading the infection.
The study stated that as of May 21, 80 per cent of active cases were concentrated in 5 states, namely Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. Around 80 per cent deaths due to COVID-19 were concentrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Delhi. Meanwhile, 5 cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Thane – are responsible for around 60 per cent of active cases in India. On the other hand, Mumbai, Ahmadabad, Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata account for 60 per cent corona virus deaths in India.
