(Reported By Pallavi Jha)
Once again, discussions are rife in the country about COVID-19. In an exclusive interview with Dr. Sanjay Rai, a professor at AIIMS Delhi and lead researcher of Covaxin, has assured that there is no need to panic. He clarified that the deaths currently being reported are not directly caused by the coronavirus, but those patients were already suffering from some serious illness, and the coronavirus infection was also found in them.
Dr. Rai, a member of the COVID Guidelines Committee, said that research has been going on continuously in India for the last three years on the current variant. He says that the increase in the number of cases should not be a reason for fear, as this virus is now behaving like seasonal flu.
He praised the government’s preparations and said that the central and state governments are in a stronger position this time than before and are fully capable of dealing with any challenge while monitoring the infection.
Regarding the mutation of the virus, he said that changes in it are a normal process. This variant is currently in the category of ‘Variant of Interest’ in the eyes of the WHO. He added, “Even if it becomes a ‘Variant of Concern’, there is no need to panic.”
Dr. Rai’s statement comes at a time when social media is abuzz with worry and confusion over COVID-19 cases. Experts’ advice is to be cautious, avoid rumours, and act wisely.
Also Read: Karnataka Health Dept Issues COVID-19 Advisory For Schools Ahead Of June Reopening
