Two weeks post festive rush, Covid well under control in Vidarbha

Nagpur: Until few weeks ago, experts and even members of Covid-19 task force were expecting a little surge in the number of new cases of the Covid-19 infection especially in the post-Diwali weeks as the festive season saw a major mix-up of population, travels, and shopping rush. But, the figures in Vidarbha are showing a different reality.
Cases are coming at a normal average even after the festive rush. In fact, the fortnight post Diwali has seen 10 less new cases than the fortnight before Diwali. Thus it can be concluded that the festive rush and mix-up has not led to an alarming surge of the Covid-19 infection.
“We have cleared a major litmus test. Not only in the terms of numbers, the new cases coming post Diwali are also providing relief as most patients don’t have more than mild symptoms,” said Dr Nitin Shinde, infectious disease specialist.
“This could be considered as a big achievement of the region’s population. Many of us have natural antibodies and others have vaccine protection. Now, we must move forward. Government should consider starting the children’s vaccine and reopen schools for all to bring life to normalcy,” said Dr Shinde.
According to epidemiologist Anand Thatte, the in-built immunity, natural infection worked for rural population while vaccines are doing magic in urban areas. “Vaccines have given protection from serious illness. It’s not that the virus is not there. But, the spread has got restricted a lot thanks to vaccination. We should cover more and more population with both the doses of vaccine,” he said.
A senior member of the district Covid task force said that the administration has been informed about the post-festive conditions and advised to go ahead with the re-opening plans. “We are keeping a close eye on the fresh surge in cases especially in some European nations. Unless we get any new mutation, we are largely safe in India,” said the doctor.