Covid Infections: Alarming Spike In Cases And Positivity Rate
By A Special Correspondent
First publised on 2022-06-14 07:15:04
About the Author
The
doubling of fresh Covid cases in the beginning of June is alarming. More than
that, the huge spike in the positivity rate (the percentage of people testing
positive among those tested) is dangerous as it shows that the fresh infections
are growing. Since there has been a huge drop in testing, it also carries the
risk of many infected persons escaping detection and not isolating themselves,
thereby being carriers on loose and spreading the virus.
Some states
like Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have contributed substantially
to this round of fresh infections. This is in large measure due to the complete
removal of Covid-appropriate behaviour, not only in these states but across India.
Not even 5% of the people on the streets wear masks. The hand sanitizer is no
longer visible at mall, multiplexes and large office complexes. Overcrowding
(without people wearing masks) has returned with a vengeance in markets, public
transport and other public spaces. An overwhelming majority of the eligible
population is not taking the booster dose. Governments, both at the Centre and
the states, have pushed vaccination lower in their list of priorities.
Although it
is clear that per million cases in India are much lower than some other
countries where there has been a spike in cases, the high positivity rate is a
cause for worry. Also, although the Omicron-related cases are less dangerous
but there is always the risk that the virus might mutate into something more
dangerous and spread faster. Hence, India has to be on guard. It cannot afford
any further Covid-related disruption of economic activities.
The
government must step up vaccination, for although it has been proved that the
virus penetrates the vaccine shield, it has also been proved that vaccination
prevents the severity of the disease. It must also push states to bring back penalties
for not following Covid-appropriate behaviour. There is an urgent need to take
all steps to prevent the current outbreak from reaching damaging proportions.
