Virus is spreading fast, next four weeks critical: NITI Aayog member

He said the number of cases is increasing and along with that mortality is also on the rise

Virus is spreading fast, next four weeks critical: NITI Aayog member

A crowded market area amid a spike in Coronavirus cases countrywide, in Agra, on Tuesday. Pic/PTI

COVID-19 is spreading at a fast pace with an increase in the intensity of the pandemic, the Centre said on Tuesday. India reported 96,982 new cases and 446 deaths in a span of 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry’s update on Tuesday morning.

NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr V K Paul said a large part of the population is still susceptible to the virus. “The intensity of the pandemic has increased and it is spreading faster than last time. In some states, it (the condition) is worse than others but the upswing (in cases) can be observed across the country.”

“People’s participation is vital to control the second wave. The next four weeks are going to very critical. The entire country has to come together and fight the pandemic,” he added.

He said the number of cases is increasing and along with that mortality is also on the rise. “Still, in terms of the population size and in terms of deaths per million we are doing well and the pandemic is in control.”

Amid demands to relax the age limit for vaccination, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, “The basic aims are to reduce death through vaccination and protect healthcare system... The aim is never to administer the vaccine to those who want it but to those who need it,” he said.

‘Situation getting out of control, think of lockdown’

The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday said the COVID-19 situation in the state was getting “out of control”, and suggested a curfew or lockdown could be imposed for three to four days to break the infection chain. Hearing a petition taken up suo motu, the HC suggested that all kind of gatherings, including political, should be controlled or stopped. Gujarat on Monday recorded over 3,000 cases. Meanwhile, the AAP government on Tuesday imposed night curfew in Delhi from 10 pm to 5 am till April 30 in view of rising cases, officials said. The city recorded 3,548 cases and 15 deaths on Monday.

1,26,86,049
Total number of cases in the country as of Sunday

1,65,547
Total no. of deaths due to the virus in India

1,17,32,279
Patients recovered and discharged in India as of sunday

8,31,10,926
(Total no. of people vaccinated so far)

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