Of late, there has been a tremendous decline in new cases of Covid-19 in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India. In the last 24 hours, India reported 131 infections. However, there are worrying signs globally as also detection in India of four cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, apparently the strain driving China’s current surge of Covid cases.
There has been a sudden spurt in COVID-19 cases in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, China, and the US, prompting a high-level meeting to chalk out the strategy to prevent a surge in India.
Subsequently the Health Ministry directed states and union territories to ramp up surveillance. Also importantly, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul, after the meeting, said people should take the jab and also wear masks in crowded places. Significantly he also urged people not to panic.
It is a fact that a fresh wave of infections can never be ruled out, considering that the virus has not been eliminated, and it continues to undergo mutations. The fact also remains that a new variant of the virus has special abilities to bypass the immunity gained by human beings and may even cause more severe disease. Re-infection from the same variant is not unknown, but not very common either. A new wave in the near future, if it comes, would most likely be caused by a new variant of Omicron. In such a scenario, treading with caution, rather than pressing the panic button, should be the way forward as has been rightly underlined by the NITI Aayog member.
Given the situation and also previous drastic impact of the covid-19 waves, there is need for adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour strictly. The importance of masks is worthwhile. Wearing a well-fitting mask, covering one’s mouth and nose, should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives.
At the same time the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against Covid-19. There is a need for also taking other simple precautions such as cleaning hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue.
Also there are safe and effective vaccines available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from the pathogen. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things one can do to protect against Covid-19. The government’s immediate advisory needs to be followed in letter and spirit for avoiding future exigencies on various counts.