Deploy learnings to tackle Omicron

PM Narendra Modi's emphasis to remain alert, enhance surveillance and observe Covid protocols is timely. With nearly 1,80,000 new Covid cases and a nationwide transmission rate of 4, compared to 1.69 in the second wave, the focus must be on enhanced testing, ensuring supply of drugs, completing the vaccination rollout and avoiding crowding. All essential to limit the impact on the economy.

Having learnt from the second wave, the government is repeatedly cautioning against complacency. The Omicron variant, now with three sibling variants, is less virulent than Delta. However, it must not be treated as mild or akin to common cold or the flu. It has a hospitalisation rate of 5-10%, though lower than the 20-23% of the second wave, it is not insignificant. Without proper preparation, the third wave can overwhelm the healthcare system, especially with rising cases among healthcare workers. Testing and availability of drugs are critical to deal with the current wave. GoI should consider arrangements to make Pfizer's Paxlovid pill widely available. Merck's Molnupiravir has received emergency use authorisation but is not recommended by ICMR. The PM's push for a mission-mode booster rollout is critical. There can be no slacking on the two-dose vaccination for the above-15 either. At some stage, GoI must consider a different vaccine as the booster, subject to regulatory approvals. The RT-PCR test is the gold standard for Covid detection. But it takes time, and easy access to home testing rapid antigen kits can help bring down spread, reducing the pressure on healthcare centres. The health minister's follow up with states and PM's proposed meeting with chief ministers must assess requirement of states and set up a system to ensure speedy and efficient delivery of resources to hotspot areas.

India has learnt from the second wave, yet, it seems to have forgotten a fair bit. People must mask up, politicians must ignore the instinct to create crowds, and that no festival or ritual is worth the risk. Prevention is still the best option against Covid.