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The second wave of coronavirus infections is spreading rapidly in India and the cases may continue to rise for the next few days.Even though the ongoing surge is restricted to limited areas, as many as ten states have started showing an upward trajectory in daily new infections and the recent spurt is more rapid than the previous wave in September-October last year.During the first wave, it took 32 days for the cases to rise from 18,000 to 50,000.However,in the second wave ,It took a mere 17 days for the cases to rise from 18,377 on March 11 to 50,518 on March 27 this year.Maharashtra, accounts for around 54 % of all infection. it took 31 days for the daily cases to rise from 11,000 to 21,900 during the first wave.The same rise took a mere nine days this time.
In Gujarat, the new cases took six days this time as against the 30 days during the first wave to rise from 900 to 1,500.
Similar in other worst-hit states, the current growth rate of new cases in Punjab was found to be a lot quicker than the first wave.Same is the case with Chhattisgarh,It took 40 days for new cases to rise from 200 to 1,400 during the first wave. The same rise took 24 days this time.Overall india's trajectory has grown 493% since February 23.
With international travel increased, mutants that developed elsewhere are there in India.UK, South African and Brazilian variants of the virus already detected in different states.
The new virus strain in Maharashtra having two mutations with E484Q and L452R found to be highly infectious and has a potential to skip the immunity developed either by natural infection or vaccines as per the scientific data.
We, however, do not know the extent to which these are responsible, or not, for the rise in cases, because the genomic screening of various positive tests is not at that level.
But this we know that all this has happened because of laxity at different levels .At the individual level, Covid-19 precautions were abandoned, Masks not being worn, crowding, moving around, celebrating whether in outdoor places or, particularly in enclosed places.Even enforcement by authorities has slackened.As vaccination has started there was also a feeling that worst is over and herd immunity is already upon us.
Only way of keeping check is suppress the chains of transmission. The more we suppress the less it will replicate in the country.This can be achieved through increased testing, comprehensive tracking of close contacts, prompt isolation of positive cases & contacts and covid appropriate behaviour. If we protect ourselves from getting infected then there will be no mutations too
Remember virus travels with the people and celebrates with the crowds.
**Face coverings (nose &mouth) are part of new normal.Keep safe distance,wash your hands frequently***
Namaste🙏
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