India’s present Covid scenario does not warrant restricting international flights or imposing a lockdown, but there is a need for strengthened surveillance and vigilance in view of the rise in cases in some countries, experts have said.
They also said that a fresh outbreak of severe Covid cases and hospitalisation is unlikely as people in India have the advantage of ‘hybrid immunity’ i.e. natural immunity due to infection reinforced by vaccination.
”Overall, there is no increase in Covid caseload and India currently is in a comfortable situation. Under present circumstances, there is no need to restrict international flights or impose a lockdown,” Dr Randeep Guleria, a former AIIMS director, said on Friday.
Past experiences show that banning flights is not effective in halting the transmission of infection, he said. ”Moreover, data suggests that the Omicron sub-variant BF.7, which is driving the surge in China, has already been found in our country.”
Asked whether a lockdown could be needed in the coming days, Dr Guleria said, ”A fresh outbreak of severe Covid cases and hospitalisation is unlikely as the Indian population already has hybrid immunity because of a very good vaccination coverage and natural infection.” ”Considering the current situation and a good degree of hybrid immunity in the population, there does not seem to be a need for a lockdown,” Dr Guleria said.