Kerala’s fortnightly positivity rate, or the total number of confirmed cases per 100 tests over a 14-day period stands at 16% and the figure hasn’t changed much from the scenario a fortnight ago. Mizoram has an even higher positivity rate of 17%. These states are followed by Sikkim, Manipur and Meghalaya, with positivity rates ranging between 5% and 8%.

It appears that a lockdown, or strict imposition of containment zones, might be needed in these five states. A study of the fortnightly positivity rate noted that the all-India rates were below 2% over the last fortnight, from September 16-29. Bihar, UP, Delhi, Haryana and Gujarat have lower positivity rates with the total number confirmed cases per 100 tests declining to as low as 0.006%.

A high positivity rate suggests that a state might be testing only the sickest and more tracking and treatment of a larger population is required… (ET Healthworld – TNN, October 2, 2021)