Why the COVID-19 curve is already flattening

Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr Rashid Aman. (Courtesy)

The government has said the reducing number of Covid-19 cases reported daily is an indication the curve is flattening. However, this can only be confirmed if the positivity rate goes down to five per cent and is maintained for two to three weeks. Yesterday Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr Rashid Aman reported 193 cases out of 3,381 samples. This figure is lower compared to that realised on Sunday when 246 people tested positive from a sample size of 4,179.

Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth said the 193 cases represent a positivity rate of six per cent. “That says we are making progress but we have not yet hit the magical five per cent, which we need to (hit) and sustain for two weeks before we actually say we are flattening the curve,” said Amoth.