Over 1000 Active Covid Cases in India: New Variant Triggers Alert, Govt Steps Up Testing

New Delhi: Corona virus cases are increasing rapidly in the country. There are 1009 active cases right now, but the situation is still under control. The government has increased genome testing so that new variants can be detected. In the genome testing done so far, the variants detected are less serious than Omicron. That is, serious cases are not coming up right now.

DG of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr. Rajiv Bahl said that people do not need to worry about this new variant of Covid-19. We just need to be cautious. The government and all agencies are keeping an eye on what is happening. He said that basic precautions should be taken. But if someone is a cancer or serious illness patient or has a weak immunity, then those people are advised to avoid any infection.

Dr. Bahl said that cases are increasing first in southern India, then in western India and now in northern India. The government is monitoring the situation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), which tracks cases across the country. Two factors are important regarding the severity of any disease.

There is no need to panic, but be cautious

First, how contagious is the virus and how fast the cases are increasing. Second, is it dodging the existing immunity, whether it is natural or vaccine-made. If a new variant emerges, can it affect the previous immunity? But there is nothing to worry about at the moment. The government checks the percentage of serious cases, it is seen whether the infection is increasing in those who are not suffering from the disease. This is seen before reaching any conclusion. So far the severity of the cases has remained low. There is no need to panic. We should be cautious and always be prepared.

'There is also the capacity to prepare a new vaccine soon'

The ICMR DG said that if the severity of the cases increases, then all preparations are made in view of that. The Union Health Secretary has also held a meeting and reviewed the entire situation. He was asked what would happen if there is a need to make a new vaccine according to the new variant, in response to this Dr. Bahl said that if a new variant comes, then we also have the capacity to prepare a new vaccine very soon. We have some such platforms, we can prepare a new vaccine if needed. But in the current situation, I do not think that there is any such need at this time.