Covid threatens a comeback, key phase in India's fight

New Delhi, Feb 28 In December-January, it appeared coronavirus was tapering away in India. The three major aspects of the pandemic the curve of cases, deaths and hospitalisations which have been fluctuating, suddenly plummeted drastically. Many believed this may be the end of the pandemic, after it destroyed thousands of families and the economy. People began to sense a reprieve, after a year when they were continuously being cautioned to maintain strict social distancing and wear masks there may be light at the end of the tunnel and post-pandemic life may begin soon.

But February brought out some harsh reality and dashed hopes, that the pandemic was retreating. Scientists believe this is an important phase in the pandemic, as apprehensions are ripe that cases may again begin to rise again, as the year-old coronavirus is unpredictable and also, for how long people will remain immune to it.

In the backdrop of emerging mutations, Prof. N. K. Ganguly, former Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research

( With inputs from IANS )