Back To Covid Basics As Cases Multiply
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
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By Linus Garg
First publised on 2023-04-08 07:33:09
About the Author
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
View all posts by this Author
The Centre is rightly concerned about the increasing rate of growth in fresh Covid infection across the country. India recorded 6050 fresh Covid cases on Thursday and cases are doubling in less than seven days now. The positivity rate in some districts is also very high. More than 10 districts in Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi have more than 10% or more positivity. On the other hand, more than 5 districts in Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Haryana have more than 5% positivity. These are hotspots that need to be closely monitored. Further, testing all over the country is very low. Right now, not more than 100 persons per million are being tested all over the country and that too via Rapid Antigen testing. The Centre has advised states to expeditiously increase testing and increase the share of RT-PCR tests in the same. Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting with state health ministers and officials and advised states to conduct mock drills to test hospital infrastructure on April 10 & 11.
Amongst all the pro-active measures, the government needs to focus on vaccination once again. It was disturbing that after the Covid scare diminished 6 months back, the vaccination drive went completely off track. Millions have not taken the booster dose and although several vaccines have been approved for children, many have not taken the first dose let alone the second and booster dose. With vaccination being the first and best shield against the virus, the Centre needs to bring the vaccination drive back on track to ensure that those who have missed out are given the shots now. Along with this, enforcing Covid-appropriate behaviour in public places, increased testing and close monitoring of emerging hotspots need to be done. Although there is no need to panic, there is no harm in being vigilant and reducing the chances of another wave (whose first phase is being witnessed now) by taking appropriate measures.
