India sees unprecedented rise in Covid cases
Munawar Zaman
Press TV, New Delhi
India has reported the highest number of Covid-19 cases in five months. Many fear the second wave is imminent and would put the whole nation at risk. The country has crossed the 12 million mark, making India the third hardest hit after the United States and Brazil.
The Covid-19 pandemic is once again worsening in India after a huge surge on Tuesday. The country reported more than 56,000 fresh cases and 270 deaths in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single day spike since October last year. Authorities in state of Maharashtra have re-imposed strict travel ban and night-time curfews to prevent the further spread of the disease. Other states such Punjab, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Madya Pradesh are the worst affected.
Health experts have warned about unchecked gatherings. They say the situation can be controlled if more people are vaccinated in a robust way and Covid-19 protocols are strictly enforced and followed in spirit.
With a population of more than 1.3 billion, India’s mammoth task of vaccinating its population is a going on in full swing. At Rajiv Gandhi hospital on the fringes of New Delhi hundreds queue up to get their first shot every day. Coordinators say while many are now flocking in huge number skepticism still remains for many about the possible side effects of the vaccine.
Since early October last year India witnessed a consistent decline in the number of cases raising hopes that the pandemic is retreating and over. Prime Minister Modi has called for decisive steps to halt the emergence of the second wave. Health experts blame public for poor adherence to protocols behind the surge. They say if the public fails to follow the government guidelines the country could be headed for another strict lockdown stressing for needs to get vaccination shots at earliest.
The government of Prime Minister Modi has faced criticism for the slow pace of the vaccination roll-out.
Health experts however say people are not taking the issue seriously and ignoring government calls for vaccination. Authorities have already expanded the vaccination program to reach a target of 300 million by July. However fears have grown since last week about the second possible wave which many say could be more dangerous.
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