Co-Infection Along With Coronavirus Can Be Problematic In Monsoon, Warns Health Ministry

New Delhi: Monsoon calls for more adherence to COVID-19 related behaviour as co-infection along with coronavirus could be problematic. Giving this warning, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that the slowdown in the drop of COVID-19 cases is a cause for concern.

“There has been a consistent decline in the weekly average in the Covid-19 cases…But if we compare the rate of decline in cases, from earlier to now, its decrease remains the area of concern. We are in talks with states in this regard,” said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry addressing a press briefing.

Pandemic is far from over as a surge in COVID-19 cases is being noted globally. “We may be tired but the virus is not,” said Agarwal.

“Nearly 22 districts – seven from Kerala, five from Manipur, three in Meghalaya among others – have reported an increasing trend in daily new coronavirus cases during the last four weeks which is a cause of concern,” said Dr VK Paul, NITI Aayog member on Health.

“We have a visibility of about 15 crore vaccine doses being available in August which means India’s daily Covid-19 vaccination will stay around 50 lakh doses per day in August,” said Paul.

“While no vaccine has a 100 per cent guarantee, but all vaccines, even our own, shows the chance of serious disease is nearly eliminated. The chance of death is nearly eliminated,” he added.

“The fact is that when there is so much of viral replication, there are problems. Variants can emerge. And vulnerable population in any part of the country remains susceptible. Avoid unnecessary travel. Avoid mass gathering,” he said, adding that this is “No time for largescale festivities”.