What is India's current Covid situation?
The Covid-19 pandemic is still here and continues to take lives each day. Here is what you need to know about the latest Covid situation in the country.
After the third wave in India ebbed, everyone believed that the virus was going to either be part of our lives or leave. India also began reporting fewer cases with significantly reduced hospitalisation and number of deaths.
However, it seems like we are still quite far from the end. Fresh Covid cases, deaths and hospitalisation are all being reported from across the country. A significant rise in deaths and serious hospitalisation are also being observed in some parts.
India's Covid condition at the moment is not quite clear. For one, there are fewer cases, but more hospitalisation.
Here are 5 points you need to know.
1. More than 12,000 cases
India has logged a total of 12,608 fresh Covid cases in the past 24 hours.
The number is significantly higher than the previous day. From 9,062, the number has jumped to 12,608 in a day.
Covid cases report of the last 5 days as per Health Ministry data:
August 17: 9,062
August 16: 8,813
August 15: 14,917
August 14: 14,092
August 13: 15,815
The country’s daily positivity rate has also jumped from 2.49% to 3.48%.
Along with this, 72 deaths were reported in the country yesterday.
2. Hospitalisation doubles in Delhi
A surge in Covid-related hospitalisation has been reported in the National Capital.
The rate of hospitalisation was 3.23 percent on August 1, which reached 6.23 on August 17.
Active Covid cases have also hit 6,809 on August 17 from 4,274 on August 1.
3. Absence of booster dose is the culprit, says Delhi government
Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that 90 percent of the Covid patients who are in hospital are those who have not taken the booster dose.
“Only 10 percent of the patients got coronavirus infection after the third dose of the vaccine. It is clear that people who apply the precautionary doses are safer from Corona infection,” Sisodia said.
4. Is there a new variant?
With every new wave, there is usually a new variant to blame.
Now, as the cases and hospitalisations are on a rise, experts believe that there might a new variant behind the mayhem.
A study conducted at Delhi’s Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital has found a new sub-variant of Omicron. Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director of LNJP Hospital said, "Hospitalisation has increased in LNJP in the last 10 days. The LNJP Hospital study shows the new variant is the reason for the spread of the virus."
He has also mentioned that the Omicron’s sub-variant, BA 2.75, has a higher transmission rate and most of the infected patients have not taken either their second dose or their booster shot or both.
5. What's next?
As per the current pattern, it can be concluded that there might be a new variant triggering a new wave. The symptoms and characteristics of this new variant are not known yet.
Therefore, in the meantime, it is wise to follow all the precautionary measures before things spiral out of control. Wearing a mask, washing hands and maintaining social distance can help in this situation.
Most importantly, a booster dose should be the top priority for individuals as well as health officials to prevent new infections and re-infections. If you are eligible for one, take it.