India has received a warning that the Covid pandemic, which shook the world for more than two years, may make a comeback once again. The current outbreaks in some countries, including China, once again signify the importance of being vigilant and taking maximum precautions. It is alleged that it was China that pushed the Covid virus to the world. It is reported that China is currently facing the biggest crisis due to Covid. Hospitals in China are overflowing with Covid patients. The death rate is also on the rise. Health experts estimate that at least one million people may die of the disease by the end of next year in China alone. Reports are claiming that 60 percent of Chinese people are likely to be infected with Covid-19 and the death rate may be very high.

The pandemic is also spreading uncontrollably in countries like Japan, America, Korea and Brazil. Taking all this into account, the Centre has instructed the state governments to be more vigilant against Covid. India has been able to provide vaccination to the majority of its population in a way that no other country has done. It is no small achievement that India has been able to get a prominent position in the list of countries that have dealt with the Covid pandemic most effectively. Almost the entire population of the country has received the first dose of the vaccine. The number of those who received the second dose is not less. The third dose of vaccination provided as a special precaution for senior citizens and those suffering from co-morbidities has also helped to effectively prevent the spread of the disease. Apart from this, the strict preventive measures taken during the Covid period have effectively prevented the spread of the disease. It is no small matter that we have learned not to panic in the face of warnings of another outbreak.

It remains to be seen whether the new variant is more dangerous. Because of this, the authorities advise taking samples from affected individuals and sending them to specific labs for accurate testing. It is comforting that the number of active Covid cases in India is on the decline. At present, the number of active cases in the country is below 3500. Records show that only 112 people came to the hospital with symptoms of Covid the other day. Surely these numbers will boost confidence among people. Reports state that China witnessed the recent surge in Covid cases after it entirely lifted the restrictions and declared that it was Covid-free. The current alarming rate of disease transmission proves that many measures taken by China on the issue of Covid were wrong.

Although India is less likely to announce any severe restrictions and lockdowns in the early days, we must respect the expert opinion that increased caution and care are needed. We have learned lessons in effectively dealing with Covid. However, caution and care can go a long way in keeping the disease away.