India will see peak of Covid-19 cases in June-July: AIIMS director

New Delhi: All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Director Randeep Guleria on Thursday said that India may witness the peak of COVID-19 cases in June or July.

Speaking to media persons, Guleria said, "The answer of when will be the peak of cases of COVID-19 in India depends upon modelling data. National and international both experts are analysing the data. Most of them have guessed that India will most likely see the peak in June or July."

Guleria said that earlier it was analysed that the peak will be in May but due to extended lockdown the peak has also been extended. "It is a dynamic process that depends upon various factors. It is a long-lasting battle. Cases will come even after the peak is passed. People's lifestyle in terms of travelling and socialising will change" he said.

The AIIMS Director also said that only with time the quantum of effect of the lockdown in the country will be known. The cases are increasing with the tally on Thursday at 52,952, including 1,783 deaths according to the Union Health Ministry data. The total tally includes 35,902 active cases while 15,266 patients have recovered from COVID-19.

37 ITBP personnel test Covid-19 positive, 204 quarantined

As many as 37 more Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel have tested coronavirus positive and 204 have been quarantined.

In all, as many as 478 paramilitary personnel have been infected by coronavirus, including 82 of the force.

According to officials, of the latest cases, eight personnel belong to a company deputed for internal security and law and order duty with the Delhi Police while 29 belong to the 22 Battalion, based at Tigri on Delhi's outskirts.

An official said till date, 82 ITBP personnel have tested positve for Covid-19. On Tuesday, 45 ITBP personnel have tested coronavirus positive and 167 were quarantined.

The official further said that about 90 CAPF members are being treated at the 200-bed CAPF Referral Hospital, dedicated for Covid-19 patients, in Greater Noida.

The official said that at Greater Noida hospital 78 ITBP personnel, 10 Border Security Force (BSF), one CRPF and a family member of ITBP personnel are admitted.

Earlier in the day, with two deaths and 41 more fresh cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) in the BSF, the number of infected personnel rose to 193.

The ITBP, a 90,000-personnel force, is primarily tasked with guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, apart from rendering internal security duties.

(IANS)