Only 20% coronavirus patients need hospitalisation, says ICMR

Only 20% of Coronavirus patients with serious symptoms need hospitalisation, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which is at the forefront India’s fight against Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, said on Sunday (March 22).

“It is essential to understand the ailment. 80% of the people will experience cold-like fever and they will recover. 20% may experience cough, cold, fever and some of them may be needed to be admitted to hospital,” ICMR Director-General Balram Bhargava said during a briefing by the health ministry in New Delhi.

He added that the “5% who get admitted to the hospital” are given supportive treatment and in some cases, new medicines are being given.

Also read: Only one isolation bed per 84,000 in India: Report

Several states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana and others have announced continued lockdown till March 31.

On Sunday day, in response to a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the whole country observed Janata curfew as a social distancing measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Centre has advised all states to suspend rail services, Metro operations and interstate bus services, besides ensuring a near complete shutdown of 75 districts that have registered positive cases. Essential services and medical emergencies will be allowed.

India reported three more coronavirus deaths on Sunday, including the first casualties from Bihar and Gujarat, taking the toll to seven and the number of COVID-19 cases rose to 341, officials said.

The government has scaled up testing facilities with approvals to around 60 private labs and capacity augmentation in quarantine and treatment facilities.

“We have conducted 15,000-17,000 tests so far. We have the capacity to conduct 10,000 tests per day, it means we can conduct 50,000-70,000 per week,” said Bhargava.