Keeping in mind the rising number and rapid resurgence of Covid Cases in China, the Indian Authorities at the Central level have issued certain precautionary guidelines, measures and advisories to states to take on the formidable Covid Challenge for the 3rd Time. Additionally, the Health Minister of India, Mansukh L. Mandaviya has asked Congress Chieftain Rahul Gandhi to stop his Bharat Jodo Yatra which can be potentially dangerous for the spread of the virus at a large scale.
The Peoples Republic of China is undergoing one of the worse and toughest phases in dealing with the Covid crisis. According to news reports, a variant of the Omicron known to medical personnel and doctors as BF.7 has emerged as a dominant strain.According to a report from Live Science, BF.7 is an abbreviation for BA.5.2.1.7 which is considered the most infectious of all variants including BA.2 and BA.1. This has been in circulation for over a year now.
As per Vijaynanad a Covid Analyst, the China Covid Crisis and the current variants in China are only Omicron sub-lineage BA.2.75, BA.5, BQ.1, XBB. These are also found in the rest of the World. Therefore, according to him the current covid Crisis in China won’t have much impact on India.
According to CEO and Founder of the Serum Institute of India, Adar Poonawalla who is responsible for the wide manufacturing of widely used Covishield Vaccine stated that there is no reason for panic. Although the cases from China are concerning, the vaccination track and coverage will soften the impact of the Corona Outbreak.He also added that all citizens must follow the guidelines set by the Government of India.
India has detected these strains and data from India’s SARS CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance Program or INSACOG.BF.7 and has been present for several months.The situation in China is further worsening. This occurred after lifting the Zero-Covid Policy. The death toll has reached 5241 and experts believe that it will further deteriorate in the future.
To prevent the decline of its economy, the Chinese government ended massive lockdowns and lifting of travel bans and restrictions. The testing process in China is voluntary. To further add Salt to the Wounds, Vaccine hesitancy is being practised.
According to Airfinity, the British Scientific Information and Analytics organisation, The Chinese are sure to lose 1.3 million people to 2.1 million people die if it lifts the Zero Covid Policy due to low vaccination, booster rates and lack of hybrid immunity. Dr Eric Deng, the epidemiologist and China’s health economist places the blame on Chinese-built local Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines.
Almost 90% of the Chinese Population has been vaccinated, But the government is urging citizens to take the 4th Dose to improve immunity. In reality, of the over 260 million people in China Older than 60 only 70% aged 60 and older, and only 40% aged 80 and more, have received the third dose.
