New Delhi: India may face another wave of COVID-19 as cases start to climb globally. While the country endured the pandemic’s devastating effects in 2020-21, fresh signs suggest that COVID-19 is resurfacing. From the United States to South Korea, cases are on the rise, prompting renewed vigilance worldwide.
Professor Deepak Sehgal, a virologist at Shiv Nadar University in Noida, warned, “COVID-19 could re-enter India, and precautions should be initiated immediately.” His comments come amid growing concerns about the spread of the virus in other parts of the world.
Global Rise in COVID Cases
In the United States, COVID-19 cases are increasing across 25 states, according to estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The New York Times reports that over 4,000 people are currently hospitalized due to the virus. Similarly, South Korea is witnessing a surge in new cases, highlighting the global resurgence of the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that an average of 17,358 SARS-CoV-2 tests were conducted weekly across 85 countries between 24 June and 21 July. Despite the global trend, the situation in India is currently less severe. According to the WHO, 908 COVID-19 cases and two deaths were reported in India between June and July.
India’s Current COVID-19 Scenario
Professor Sehgal emphasized, “While the situation in India is not as severe as in other countries, we must prepare for the potential resurgence of COVID-19.” He noted that the virus appears to be emerging again, with WHO data showing a 26% increase in global deaths due to COVID-19 and an 11% rise in cases.
The current surge is being driven by a new variant, KP, related to the Omicron strain that was first identified globally in January. In India, the KP.2 variant was detected in Odisha in December 2023. The Union Health Ministry’s COVID-19 dashboard reports that several states, including Assam, New Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, are witnessing a rise in COVID-19 infections, with 279 active cases currently recorded.
Government Response and Public Health Measures
Despite the emerging threat, the situation in India remains under control. Health Minister JP Nadda informed Parliament in July that the current situation in the country is stable, and there has been no significant increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19. “The government has heightened surveillance, and there are sufficient COVID-19 vaccines available according to the population needs,” he stated. Professor Sehgal added that the booster vaccine dose would be crucial in managing any potential wave of infections.
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