A concerning sequence: On a new coronavirus strain and a spurt in cases in China
- The spurt in coronavirus cases has caused India’s Health Ministry to issue a directive to States to send positive samples to Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) to check for new, concerning strains.
- The Health Minister, too, has called for a review meeting of the coronavirus situation in India.
Covid situation in India
- Active cases: only 3,408
- Situation in districts:
- Only one district has a test positivity rate of over 10%
- Only four between 5 and 10%
- India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage: > 219.33 crore
Issues in India’s Covid strategy
- Late alerts issued: usually many weeks after which a noticeable spike is confirmed by health authorities.
- Scarce monitoring
- Removal of mask mandates: for public gatherings, airports and railway stations as soon as cases lessen
Lessons derived from the Chinese experience
- Inefficiency of Long lockdowns: cannot eliminate the virus or prevent the development of new strains
- Importance of vaccination: Only reasonable defense possible against severe disease
- Regular check on vaccine efficacy: whether the administered vaccines continue to be efficacious.
Conclusion
- While most of the vaccines administered in India are Covishield, and thus of the spike protein, it may be time to accommodate for changes in the virus. The sequencing of strains by INSACOG should not remain an academic exercise.
Prelims Takeaway
- INSACOG