India Needs To Be Vigilant As Covid Cases Rise Again In Many Countries
By A Special Correspondent
First publised on 2022-03-17 07:13:41
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After a spurt in fresh Covid cases in countries like China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea and some European countries, the government has called for a high level of alertness along with aggressive genome sequencing and intensive surveillance in the country. Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting to assess the Covid situation and the progress of vaccination in the country. The resumption of international flights from March 27 was also discussed in the meeting but no decision was taken on that.
It is worrying that Covid cases are on the rise in several countries after showing a huge decline in India and several other countries. Reports suggest that large parts of China, including big cities, are under complete lockdown for many days now as more than 5000 fresh cases, driven by Omicron, have been detected in the country. It has also been reported that a new Covid variant was detected by Israel when PCR tests were conducted on two incoming flyers. This strain combines Omicron sub-variants BA.1 and BA.2 and is still unknown around the world.
Hence, the government's call for alertness and aggressive genome sequencing is timely. India cannot be lax as that can be disastrous. Covid protocols need to be followed strictly. Vaccination for 12 to 14-year-olds has already begun and it should be completed as soon as possible. The above 14 age group should be fully vaccinated aggressively. Booster doses should also be opened up for the adult population. The government must not open up regular international flights in a hurry. For, if we miss to detect even a single infected flyer carrying the virus it can start a new wave in the country as there are many variants and sub-variants being detected in many countries.
