Even though India seems to be in a stable position in terms of fresh infections, the fear of a new wave continues to loom large. As the festive season is approaching, the government has warned against a surge in Covid-19 infections and emphasized the need for vaccine acceptance and adherence to safety protocols while celebrating festivals.
“Overall there is stabilization in COVID-19 cases and Kerala has also reported drop in cases… In the coming two-three months, we need to be cautious that there is no upsurge… It is also the period of festivities and also when flu cases rise…we request everyone to be careful and retain the gain that we have achieved (in the pandemic management),” an official said at a press briefing according to NDTV.
Balram Bhargava, the ICMR Director-General cautioned about the risks associated with the festive season. He said, “Sudden increase in population density creates a very conducive environment for viral spread. If there is sudden increase in population density then the virus finds it very useful to spread, so the call of the hour is vaccine acceptance, maintenance of Covid-appropriate behaviour, responsible travel and responsible festivities.”
According to the government data, 20% of India’s adult population have been vaccinated with both the jabs of the Covid vaccine. 62% of the eligible population have gotten the first dose. As far as the contribution to India’s Covid-19 tally is concerned, it is reported by NDTV that 34 districts in the nation are witnessing a weekly positivity rate of more than 10%. The figure is fluctuating between 5% and 10% in 32 districts.Â
Kerala is reported to have contributed 67.79% of India’s active caseload of infections last week. In fact, it is also the only state with more than one lakh active cases. “Overall there is stabilisation and Kerala has also reported a drop in cases. Mizoram is a state of concern but we hope condition will improve there by fast vaccination and pandemic response is effective,” Niti Aayog member (Health) V.K. Paul remarked in a report by NDTV.
Also read: 87,000 Breakthrough Infections in India, 46% from Kerala
“In the coming two-three months, we need to be cautious that there is no upsurge and it can be reduced when detected. When people estimate when vulnerability will rise then they indicate October and November as the months and it is also the period of festivities and also when flu cases rise so in coming quarter we request everyone to be careful and retain the gain that we have achieved,” he added.
With 30,570 fresh cases of Covid-19, India reached an overall infection count of 3,33,47,325 while the active cases have come down to 3,42,923, as per the Union Health Ministry of India.Â
