- At the cost of sounding like an alarmist and portending trouble where none might exist, the way forward for each one of us should be to exercise utmost precautions by diligently observing covid appropriate behaviour. Wearing a personal mask, maintaining social distance as far as possible, handwashing frequently, avoiding unnecessary gatherings, and travels are still to be strictly adhered to in the near future as well. As is frequently mentioned by the scientific and medical fraternity alongside government authorities, we have to learn to live with the virus by indulging in economic activities to ensure our livelihood is functional allowing us to lead a dignified living. But there is no denying the fact the fear of viruses creating further havoc cannot be ruled out either.
PC: UK Prime Minister
- The statistics being bandied about by the health officials indicate the spread of infection is well and truly under control. There has been a steady fall in the confirmed infection rates for weeks on now. Hearteningly, the vaccination drive is witnessing great numbers too on the back of effective address of supply-side concerns. The nation has crossed a milestone by inoculating 100 crore jabs last week and is all set to meet the deadline of administering the vaccine to eligible adults by December end 2021 or early 2022. What should be worrying the health authorities is the news about a new variant of the Delta strain of the virus being reported from other nations.
- Referred to as Delta Plus or AY.4.2, it is now classified as a variant under investigation by the United Kingdom Security Agency, the country’s public health body last week. The data is inadequate to reach a firm conclusion on its virulence, but two aspects are relevant to India. The new strain appears to have a modestly increased growth rate compared to Delta. In addition, its origin is not clear and is seen in travellers to the UK from a large number of countries. Note that the UK, Russia, and Israel are among countries that have seen spikes in Covid cases in the recent past. And the death rates in Russia are breaking newer records every day. Of the three, UK and Israel have managed to fully vaccinate a significant proportion of people.
PC: Mike Pantoja-Contreras
- Mind you, the UK has fully vaccinated 66.69% of the population, while Israel has covered 64.99%. On the other hand, India has covered 21.35% of the overall population and 32% of adults have been fully vaccinated. Basking under the glory of administering more than a billion doses is well appreciated but that cannot preclude from planning to go about administering still a humongous number of unvaccinated and partially vaccinated as well. Therefore, it is not rocket science to comprehend that the nation must be extremely vigilant in the next few months to thwart any surge in the infection rates. We, as responsible citizens, should do whatever it takes to strengthen the endeavours of the government authorities to keep any potential variants at bay.
