One COVID-19 Patient Can Infect 406 If Physical Distancing Measures Are Not Followed, Says Govt Citing ICMR Study

Citing a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Government yesterday (26 April) said that inability to follow proper physical distancing measures can result in one person infecting as many as 406 people with COVID-19 in a span of just 30 days, reports Hindustan Times.

During the Government's dedicated presser on the COVID-19 situation in the country, NITI Aayog member (health) Dr VK Paul urged the citizens to not go out until absolutely necessary and to wear masks even at home. He also cautioned the people against inviting outsiders.

Dr Paul also shared, "If exposure through physical distancing is reduced by 50 per cent 1 person ends up infecting only 15 people instead of 406, reducing it by 75 per cent means 1 individual can infect only 2.5 people. We request everyone to understand this aspect, and pay attention to both clinical management and infection control."

Meanwhile, AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria cautioned against occupying hospital beds out of panic, asking people to get admitted only when their doctors recommend. He emphasised, "We have to reduce the number of cases and use hospital resources optimally. The judicious use of oxygen is very important. Right now, there is an unnecessary panic."