Dip in numbers must be looked at in context

This picture has been used for representational purpose

On Sunday evening for instance, we had 356 total positive patients and the declining numbers were met with virtual cheers on social media. One has to acknowledge that numbers are dipping slightly over the past few days. Let us, though, see this in entirety. On Sunday evening, we also saw that tests were lower in number at 29,863, which means that those cheers have to be muted somewhat in recognition of the fact that relatively fewer tests have been conducted rather than the 50,000 to 60,000 we were seeing a few days ago.

This does not mean that we should not acknowledge that there has been a dip. Or the fact that the civic authorities are winding up jumbo Covid centres, as this newspaper has reported. The mayor has also stated that Mumbai will be unlocked this month, whatever that means.

This is not to quash some relief or optimism, but to stress on the realisation that things need to be looked at in context. Do see that the lesser numbers on Sunday also correspond to the fewer tests that have been carried out.

While hope is a good thing, we also need to keep in mind that top health officials are cautioning that the pandemic is not yet over, and it pays to be mindful that this is a situation in tremendous flux. The outbreak is a shifting, changing thing with an accent that things are evolving and not constant.

The best approach is to see numbers in context, look at the national and global scenario for a measured response and reaction.