THE COVID-19 situation in India is gradually normalising and several states have begun relaxing precautionary curbs. However, it may not be wise yet to lower our guard entirely as countries like China, South Korea, Hong Kong and parts of Europe have witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent times.
SITUATION UPDATE
Between the end of January and early March 2022, there was a consistent decreasing trend in the number of new COVID-19 cases, which was followed by two consecutive weeks of increase in cases. During the week of 21-27 March 2022, the number of new cases declined again with a 14% decrease as compared to the previous week.
On the other hand, during the same period, the number of new weekly deaths increased by 43%, driven by changes in the definition of COVID-19 deaths in countries in the Region of the Americas (Chile and US) and retrospective adjustments reported from India in the South-East Asia Region.
Globally, as on 30 March 2022, there have been 483,556,595 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,132,461 deaths, reported to WHO. As of 26 March 2022, a total of 11,054,362,790 vaccine doses have been administered.
VACCINE
Globally, 11.26 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered and 17.98 million doses are now administered each day. 64.4% of the world’s population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. However, only 14.5% people in low-income countries have received at least one dose.
In India, 84% adults are double vaccinated. Punjab and Bihar are still below the national average; many north-eastern states are lagging too.
NEW VARIANTS & NEXT WAVE?
“There might not be a fourth wave in June or anytime soon unless there is any other new variant of concern. The nature of the variant is a major factor when predicting a wave of any virus. The third wave in the country had a majority of Omicron variant that is causing a rise in cases in other countries right now. Moreover, vaccination coverage suggests a good immune response in people. We are reaching the endemic phase now,” says senior virologist Dr T Jacob John.
The surge in cases in China, South Korea, Hong Kong and parts of Europe is mainly due to BA.2 Omicron sub-lineage. The BA.2 and BA.1 have already been found in India. Therefore, a new wave due to BA.2 is unlikely, because the third wave in the country, with most cases of Omicron, was mainly due to BA.2.
