The biggest conglomeration in Jharkhand, Jamshedpur, is the only urban cluster in the country that has not reported any cases of the Coronavirus so far. Incidentally, 75% of the COVID-19 cases in the country have emerged out of the urban clusters.
Situation in Jharkand
The eastern state of India has reported around 125 cases so far, with capital Ranchi itself contributing to around 90 cases. However, surprisingly, Jamshedpur is yet to report any cases of the virus.
Nonetheless, the authorities are not entirely celebrating, as only 1000 tests have been done in the city so far. Hence, regarding future steps, a cautious approach is being employed by the responsible officials.
The urban conglomeration of Jamshedpur
The urban agglomeration of Jamshedpur nestles Jamshedpur, Tata Nagar Railway Colony, Mango, Jugsalai, Baghbera, Chhota Govindpur, Haludbani, Sarjamda, Gadhra, Ghorabanda, Purihasa, Adityapur, Chota Gamarhia, and Kapali. Also called as the ‘Steel City’, Jamshedpur is home to approximately 20 Lakh people.
Tests are being conducted at the state-run Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Hospital since March 12. Tata Main Hospital (TMH) has got approval from ICMR, and will start functioning soon. The only person who had tested positive at the MGM Hospital was a migrant worker from West Bengal.
The influx of migrant workers
In the past few days, migrant workers have returned to the city and they would be placed in quarantine for 14 days. Four hospitals, with approximately 700 beds, are ready for the situation.
A few experts, who had seen the spread of Chikungunya and Dengue in the city, are surprised by the turn of events regarding COVID-19. Dr. Akhauri Amitabh Chandra Srivastava, the former principal of MGM, talked about the reasons for the same.
One reason he mentioned which has kept the Coronavirus at bay, is the cleanliness in the city and improved awareness of healthcare amongst the masses. He further added: “The second reason is the impact urban residents have on people from rural areas in the fringes of the city. Every day, thousands of laborers and workers employed with various companies take the learnings on hygiene, sanitation, and healthcare to their areas.“
Source: Times of India
