NEW DELHI: For the second day in a row the number of Covid cases in the country has crossed 2000, raising concerns. In the last 24 hours, 2,380 people have been diagnosed with the disease. 56 deaths were also reported. It is doubtful whether this increase in the number of patients is pointing to a fourth wave.

The reason for the rise in Covid cases is not yet clear. It is also unclear whether the new variant or the old variant itself is spreading the disease. It may be due to reduced immunity in the people and laxity in controlling Covid. Samples were collected from the capital region to detect the virus causing the growth of Incascovid, a multi-laboratory set up to monitor the genetic variation of SARS-COV-2.

Omicron, the most strongly variety globally, has four subtypes. BA1, BA2, BA3, BA4. Of these, BA1 and BA2 are the most common in India. XE, a hybrid of BA1 and BA2, was also found in India.

Meantime, the omission of masks had drawn criticism following the drop in Covid cases in Delhi. The highest number of confirmed cases was reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours. 1009 new cases were reported. The Centre has directed to tighten controls in five states namely Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Mizoram where Covid outbreak is on the rise. In view of the prevalence of the disease in Delhi, the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have tightened the use of masks in the districts under the national capital. However, no decision has been taken in Delhi.

Although Covid cases are rising, the number of people seeking hospital treatment is not increasing and this gives hope. Traveling unnecessarily can also lead to the spread of the disease. Experts point out that most people take the second dose a year later, which can lead to a weakened immune system. The activity of antibodies in the body decreases. For this reason, experts say it is important to take the booster dose in a timely manner. Although it has not yet been confirmed that the fourth wave has started, health experts say booster vaccination should be implemented immediately.

Meantime, the ministry of health estimated that 187.07 crore doses of the vaccine have been administered in the country so far. Four and a half lakh tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours. According to the Union Ministry of Health, 13,433 people are currently being treated for Covid in the country.