Coronavirus in India: The importance of testing for Covid-19 | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Coronavirus in India: The importance of testing for Covid-19

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Apr 11, 2020 11:37 AM IST

Covid-19 in India: An analysis of death and testing rates across major Indian states indicates that states that test aggressively, will, over time, show lower fatality rates than others.

An analysis of fatality or death rates (proportion of those infected who die) and testing rates (per million of population) throws up some interesting results and serves to highlight an important aspect of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19): states that test more, will, over time (and this is a mater of a few weeks to a month) end up showing lower fatality rates than states that test very selectively.

In the absence of widespread testing, a comparison of death rates is, at best, a road approximation of how the virus has affected various states.(Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo)
In the absence of widespread testing, a comparison of death rates is, at best, a road approximation of how the virus has affected various states.(Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo)

To be sure, even the best Indian states (from the perspective of testing) aren’t doing enough, but, in general, states that test more will, over time expand the denominator (people tested), which will reduce the proportion of people found to be infected. It will also serve to reduce the death rate, which is a subset of those infected.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In the absence of widespread testing, a comparison of death rates is, at best, a road approximation of how the virus has affected various states; however, with 7556 people being infected with Covid-19 as of Thursday night, and the death toll crossing 200 (250), it makes sense to look at these numbers. As the numbers change appreciably, HT will revisit this analysis.

On the basis of the current analysis, Madhya Pradesh has the highest fatality rate of 8% and Delhi has done the most testing per million population (594), leaving out Ladakh whose small population skews the number. Maharashtra has tested 274 per million , which puts it in fourth place.

But if, as the state claims, the high number of cases in it (1574 on Thursday night) is a result of aggressive testing, then the state’s fatality rate (currently 7.1%) will reduce over time.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On