COVID on the rise in 7 States

On March 27th India reported a flurry of new COVID-19 cases within the last 24 hours. With rising cases across the country, the Nation is starting to take steps to nip the issue in the bud.

COVID cases are rising across the nation, with Karnataka reporting 792 active cases, 2,471 active cases in Kerala, 2,117 active cases in Maharashtra, and 1,697 cases in Gujarat. On the lower side, Delhi has reported about 528 cases, Tamil Nadu with 608 cases, and Himachal Pradesh with 415 cases at the moment.

Another day, Another variant

Scientists and researchers of the COVID-19 virus have pointed towards the XBB.1.16 as the culprit for the rise in cases. While the threat of COVID-19 is still real, there is a general consensus that individuals have developed a certain immunity to such variants and that the people of India need not worry about severe hospitalization. In accordance with this, the government still urges individuals to wear masks in crowded and closed spaces and encourages everyone to get vaccinated.

A measured response

In light of the rising cases, the union minister has urged the government to follow a risk assessment approach. The government has been advised to examine the COVID-19 situation from a micro-level by assessing the number of cases by district and region while maintaining COVID-19 protocols and measures.

Currently, the state is posed to follow the five-fold strategy the Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination model that has been seen to be working in the past. It becomes an important part of the government's health protocols given the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and trends such as Influenza and SARI.