- As has been widely reported in the media over the past several weeks, COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise and raising concerns for everyone. One of the several Omicron variations, XBB.1.16, which has significantly beyond other versions of concern, is what’s causing the current rise. Not to mention, throughout the past three years, the virulent virus has affected the entire world community in one way or another. It is unnecessary to elaborate on the economic depression brought on by lockdowns, and the whole community is still struggling to recover from the disastrous impacts. Indeed, the development of vaccines has prevented humanity from being completely wiped out, but the threat of the virus still exists, despite what the current upsurge says.
PC: freepik
- We all know how the Indian establishment rose to the occasion in not only thwarting the challenges posed by the rampaging virus but also succeeding in introducing homegrown vaccines to counter the loss of precious lives. Undoubtedly, the millions of viruses of victims will never forget the incredibly challenging circumstances they faced, particularly during the terrifying second Covid wave. People naturally returned to their daily lives as the situation began to stabilize around the nation, but the recent increase in instances appears to be the beginning of a new Covid wave. Consequently, Union Health Minister had a review meeting with state health ministers and asked for mock drills to test hospital infrastructure on April 10 and 11.
- It should be noted that India reported 6,050 new cases of COVI on Friday, the largest number in 203 days, even if the number of fatalities (14 in 24 hours) and hospitalization rates remained low. Researchers think the current upsurge is being caused by Omicron’s XBB.1.16, which is picking up new mutations. It goes without saying that it’s critical at this point to return to the fundamentals, i.e., practice Covid-appropriate conduct, boost testing, and promote vaccination. Of course, mask regulations and recommendations on the subject have already been brought back in Sikkim and Puducherry. If cases continue to grow, other states would be wise to follow suit, especially given that schools will soon start their new academic periods in a few weeks. And there is one area of worry that needs to be resolved right away.
PC: freepik
- The reason the previously committed drive has slowed down so much is none other than immunization. The official attitude of indifference appears to have crept into how the vaccine effort is being given priority. Only 159 locations nationwide—59 government and 100 private—were administering vaccinations on Friday. Even in the country’s main city, New Delhi, there were just 10 immunization centers. The most alarming fact is that there are still millions of Indians who have not received the booster dose, that most areas have stopped vaccinating children, and that some people have never received a vaccine at all. The need for vaccines will probably increase if COVID cases begin to climb dramatically. There should be a sufficient supply of vaccines available.
