Cases decline, but concerns remain; vaccinations need to rise

The second wave of the pandemic that saw cases cross 400,000 a day in early May has moderated equally sharply. The daily count dropped to an almost eight-week low on the last day of May, and deaths have started to decline too. However, the risk of resurgence remains, given the high caseload, underlining the urgency of stepping up vaccinations ahead of a possible third wave.

1. Situation improved by end of May
a. Cases and deaths decline after hitting record highs

b. Positivity has also fallen while testing levels have remained high

c. Most states have seen improvements

2a. High or rising cases in some states still a concern

2b. Positivity rate in these states still high

3. Vaccination picked up toward May end but needs to accelerate to prevent the third wave

4. What next?
- Window needs to be utilised to quickly vaccinate people
- Simple central procurement and vaccination policy
- States exiting lockdowns need to remain vigilant
- Masks, social distancing should continue
- States with high positivity need to test more
- Aggressive testing, contact tracing and isolation
- Cheap/free Covid tests should be made widely available
- Planned and targeted ramp-up in health infrastructure
- A group to monitor the availability of key medicine and supplies