54% residents rate Andhra Pradesh Government’s handling of COVID 2nd wave as effective

June 30, 2021, New Delhi: The 2nd wave of SARS-CoV2 that caused havoc in the months of April and May has tested the pulse of every State Government of the country and their efficiency to handle the outbreak vis-à-vis Governance. Just when the country had started to recover from the 1st wave of the pandemic, the COVID-19 and its variants started taking a toll at an unprecedented pace, from the highest 97,400 daily spike (September 10th, 2020) to less than 10,000 cases (1st week, February 2021), which then increased close to 47,000 (3rd week, March) and reached its peak to more than 412,000 cases (1st week, May 2021). The wailing sound of ambulances ferrying COVID patients for days and nights had been a routine at the time. Most hospitals in cities crumbled to provide adequate treatment to those patients waiting in line for the treatment due to an increase in cases. Even crematoriums in major cities ran out of space as bodies were brought for final rites. Overall, the 2nd wave of the pandemic has caused a devastating effect on India and its citizens that will be etched for many years to come.

From the daily COVID cases of around 100 during the end-February, Andhra Pradesh started to experience a sudden surge in the test positivity rate that reached its peak on May 16 with a 24,171 single-day spike. Although Andhra Pradesh Government increased the number of beds in Covid Care Units in every district, surge in the number of cases and increased intensity of the 2nd wave led to shortages of oxygen cylinders & concentrators, ventilator beds, Covid management medicines, COVID test facilities, related supplies and equipment in May. An elaborate community based tracking system that appeared to be working in Andhra Pradesh was putting anyone testing positive under surveillance and monitoring them closely at village or ward level with either health or ASHA worker or a auxillary nurse visiting the household everyday.The State also took aggressive awareness programs on social media by sending messages on Covid appropriate behaviour and protocols that are required to mitigate the spread.

The Bhartiya Janata Party led-Andhra Pradesh Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy had to eventually impose a partial lockdown and restriction on public movement since May 5. The state had allowed shops to open from 6 am to 12 noon with section 144 imposed. In the aftermath of the lockdown-like restrictions, the COVID-19 daily cases are declining. Meanwhile, there has also been an increase in the availability of ICU beds and ventilators in both private and public hospitals, and the vaccination drive is in full swing.

In the aftermath of all the developments in the 2 months of the 2nd wave of COVID-19, LocalCircles has gone back to the citizens of Andhra Pradesh asking them to rate their State Government’s performance on the overall handling of the 2nd wave of COVID-19. This allows both the broader citizenry and the Government to understand where things stand and what needs to be worked upon. This is vital to effectively handle the 3rd wave, which is likely to hit India in 6-8 weeks, as suggested by experts. Medical experts have warned about a new, more infectious Delta Plus variant and emphasised on the importance of continuing to wear a double mask, follow proper hygiene, and maintain social distance. The survey received 869 responses from residents of Andhra Pradesh.

54% Andhra Pradesh residents rate Andhra Pradesh Government’s handling of COVID 2nd wave as effective

The question in the survey asked residents of Andhra Pradesh, “How do you rate your state (Andhra Pradesh) Government’s handling (availability of testing, containment, hospital beds, oxygen, medicines, etc.) of the COVID 2nd wave?” In response, 27% of citizens said “very effective”, 27% said “effective”, and another 27% said “somewhat effective”. 19% of Andhra Pradesh residents surveyed rated the Andhra Pradesh Government’s handling of COVID 2nd wave as “Ineffective”. None of the respondents rated the State’s handling as a Total Failure. On an aggregate basis, 54% of Andhra Pradesh residents rated the Andhra Pradesh Government’s handling of COVID 2nd wave as effective or higher. 869 responses were received on the survey.

Overall, the majority of the residents of Andhra Pradesh after what they witnessed in the last 2-month period are satisfied with the Andhra Pradesh Government’s handling of COVID 2nd wave in the state. This is evident with 54% of Andhra Pradesh residents rating the State Government’s handling of COVID 2nd wave as effective. However, it is important to follow covid appropriate behaviour as the State continues to witness a high number of daily cases. Additionally, as Andhra Pradesh Government works on getting ready to handle the 3rd wave, it is critical that all aspects starting from testing, containment, hospital beds availability, readiness to handle child cases of COVID, Doctors and medical staff, equipment like ventilators, BIPAP machines, concentrators, medicines and all things COVID are available in sufficient quantities. Also, it is critical that information flow is significantly improved and centralised such that citizens call a single number and based on their condition, location, preferences, budget are assigned the right hospital. Similarly, it is key that the patient information dissemination is streamlined, and hospitals can communicate with the family on the patient’s current health condition in a timely manner.

Ranking of Indian States in handling 2nd Wave of COVID-19

Overall, findings of the LocalCircles’ survey indicate that Andhra Pradesh ranked 2nd amongst 17 states of India where 54% of residents have rated the Government of Andhra Pradesh’s handling of COVID 2nd wave as high. The ranking of Indian states in handling the 2nd wave of COVID-19 indicate that Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh residents have rated their respective State Governments’ handling of COVID 2nd wave as high. Meanwhile, rating of Bihar and West Bengal were the lowest.

National Press Release

Survey Demographics

The survey received 869 responses from people residing in Andhra Pradesh. The survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform and all participants were validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.