Twice Covid-bitten, be shy and cautious

The healthcare system must be prepared for Covid-19 alongside other ailments. Where possible, primary care systems should deal with Covid-19 cases and ensure hospitals have more leeway.

There have been nearly 9,000 new Covid-19 cases across the country, with Maharashtra, Delhi and Kerala leading the tables. Given that Omicron variants are responsible for the surge, experts warn against panic.
Increased genomic surveillance, higher levels of testing, vaccination and continued adherence to mask protocols must be the way forward.

Existing Omicron variants are driving the rise, although there are a few cases of new Omicron variants, BA.4 and BA.5. The two new sub-variants, first identified in South Africa and now in Europe, are likely to become dominant. Increased genomic surveillance will help track it. In South Africa and Europe, there has been no change in severity from other Omicron variants. However, new variants have, worryingly, growth advantage. Delhi registered a big rise, crossing the 1,000 mark and positivity rate of 6.5% on Tuesday. More cases could lead to increased hospitalisation, ICU requirements and even deaths.

The healthcare system must be prepared for Covid-19 alongside other ailments. Where possible, primary care systems should deal with Covid-19 cases and ensure hospitals have more leeway. The vaccination programme is progressing – 65.2% of the population is fully vaccinated. GoI must step up its outreach to those who have taken one dose, or haven’t taken the booster shot. The expert group needs to start thinking if another round of booster shots is required, particularly for senior citizens and at-risk population, as well as making assessments of whether there is a need to change the vaccine protocol for the booster. Vaccines and mask protocols will help keep numbers down.