The current pandemic wave in India, significantly more devastating than the first, has resulted in a steep rise in Covid-19 infections. This article delves into detailed analysis of the factors that have contributed to this alarming situation and possible solutions that could help India combat the second wave.
Protocol Fatigue Leading to the Second Wave
As Covid-19 cases began to decline, people started ignoring protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands regularly, and maintaining social distancing, contributing to the resurgence. Gatherings, especially from January 2021, grew larger as rules were slackened and penalties were less enforced. This trend, witnessed nationwide, gave the virus a chance to trigger a potentially stronger second wave.
Mixed Signals from Government Eroding Vigilance
The election rallies and crowded polling booths disregarded the Covid-19 protocols, thereby sending confusing signals to the public and government functionaries at the grassroots level. This has undermined the vigil against the pandemic.
Urban Mobility Fuelling Infections
With over 1.2 crore recorded Covid-19 cases, the pandemic remains primarily concentrated around larger cities which experience higher mobility. Greater movement gives the virus more opportunities to transmit, particularly when caution is lowered.
Less Strict Containment Zones
In the current wave, there has been a relaxation in marking containment zones. Micro-containment has been employed, where only a house or a floor might be defined as a containment zone, contrary to earlier measures of declaring an entire apartment or area as a containment zone, which significantly reduced virus transmission.
Mutations Complicating the Situation
The evolution of the coronavirus, characterized by numerous detected mutations in SARS-CoV-2, is a major reason behind the second wave. Some mutations have resulted in Variants of Concern (VOCs), with increased transmissibility. India has reported several such VOCs in states most affected by the second wave.
Increased Testing Revealing More Cases
The increase in testing is another reason why more cases are being detected. With easier access to testing, improved disease-management, and a rollout of vaccination programs, people are more willing to get tested.
Asymptomatic Persons Spreading the Virus
Asymptomatic individuals, who make up 80-85% of the population in India, are potential carriers and spreaders of the virus.
Inadequate Health Infrastructure
India’s healthcare infrastructure has proved insufficient, failing to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and aggressive vaccination. Oxygen shortages and lack of hospital beds exemplify these challenges.
Way Forward: Fast Track Vaccination and Testing
Immunity against the virus can be obtained either through infection or vaccination. Accelerating the vaccine program across the country is critical, as is increasing the number of tests and intensifying contact tracing. Moreover, there needs to be a renewed emphasis on following safety protocols. Total lockdowns are no longer necessary, but implementing district action plans including mapping of cases, reviewing area-specific indicators, operating emergency operation centers round the clock, establishing an incident command system, forming an area-specific rapid response team, and sharing information timely can help control the situation.
