Coronaviruses – a large family unit of viruses that cause illnesses like common cold, middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In 2019, a disease outbreak in Wuhan, China led to the discovery of a new type of coronavirus strain, now known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the disease caused by it. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic by March 2020.

COVID-19 Scenario in India – 2020

The first ever case of COVID-19 in India was reported on 30th January, 2020. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), by June, 2,66,598 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported from all over India.

India’s response to COVID-19 was stringent. All International borders were shut down immediately and nationwide lockdown was imposed by March. The Indian Council of Medical Research or ICMR, using a mathematical model predicted that strict social distancing would reduce the total number of cases by 62% and the peak number of cases by 89%, interrupting the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 testing rates were also increased from 0.02/1000 people to 3.28/1000 people (49,16,116 samples). In addition to real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the ICMR also recommended using other screening examinations such as TrueNat, Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) using Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 and rapid antibody tests for surveillance purposes. COVID-19 testing was scaled up through 553 government and 231 private laboratories all across the country. In addition to Indian Railways converting 375 coaches into covid isolation wards, the Government also built over 600 facilities dedicated to COVID-19 all over India.

COVID-19 in India – 2021

A government panel stated in October 2020 that the pandemic had peaked in India and could come under control by February 2021. On the contrary a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, Lineage B.1.617, was detected in the country.

In recent days, a total of 5 Coronavirus strains have been found in India:
• B.1.1.28 or Covid-19 Brazil variant: Said to have originated in Brazil, this strain is reportedly responsible for 1.4 crore cases and over 3.5 lakh deaths in the South American country.
• B.1.351 or Covid-19 South Africa variant: Although few cases of the South African strain have been reported in India, over 15 lakh people have been affected by this strain in Africa.
• B.1.1.7 or Covid-19 UK variant: Also known as the Kent variant, this strain is seen in a large number of cases in and around Delhi and Punjab. The UK Coronavirus variant is responsible for huge number of cases in the second Coronavirus wave in India. Those affected by this strain have experienced conjunctivitis, rashes, upset stomach, sore throat and discoloration of toes and fingers.
• Covid-19 N440K variant and Covid-19 E484Q variant: These variants have been responsible for a large number of cases in Maharashtra and Kerala.
• Covid-19 B.1.36 variant: This is a region-specific variant found in large numbers in Bengaluru.

The coronavirus evolves and mutates while it spreads. These unique mutations are accountable for the devastating second wave of the virus in the country. The different Covid-19 mutations founds in India are:

• Covid-19 Double Mutant Strain: Found in 20% of all the collected samples from Punjab, Delhi and Maharashtra, this strain (classified as B.1.617 variant) has mutations from L452R and E484Q covid variants.
• Covid-19 Triple Mutant Strain: This complex variant has a mixture of mutations from three different Covid-19 variants mentioned above. It is responsible for a massive surge in cases in the second wave, in Delhi and Maharashtra.

In January 2021, the DCGI initially approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine (Covishield) manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) and BBV152 (Covaxin), developed by Bharat Biotech in association with the ICMR and National Institute of Virology. In addition to the approval of phase 2 and 3 trials of Covaxin among children aged 2–18, the DCGI also approved the Russian vaccine – Sputnik V in April of 2021, after which it was tested in India by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.

India started preparing for vaccinations as early as April 2020, setting up a Vaccine Task Force. The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) was formed. The government also announced a Covid Suraksha Mission in November 2020 by infusing Rs. 900cr into the Department of Biotechnology. The vaccination programme in India started on 16th January 2021 with a policy targeting 30,00,00,000 people based on occupation and age groups, to be completed by August 2021.

• Phase 1 of the vaccination drive started in January 2021. The goal was to vaccinate 1 crore health workers, followed by 2 crore front liners. At the minimum, one dose was received by 67% of all the health workers and front liners.
• Phase 2 began on 1st March 2021 to cover people aged 45 to 60. Vaccinations were opened for everyone above 45 years from 1st April. Consequently there was a severe shortage in vaccine supplies by the end of March.
• Phase 3 started from 1st May with the policy to include all eligible adults (18+) following a second wave of cases in April, which resulted in immediate and increased vaccine shortages. Rs. 35,000 cr have been allocated in the Budget of India 2021 for vaccine procurement.

Measures are constantly being taken and updated to ensure that the people are safe. However, one rule that has remained constant and effective is the use of masks and sanitizers as a mode of prevention, the importance of these cannot be stressed enough.