Time’s running out as fresh cases of Delta variant emerge while Omicron increases its presence, too
A bizarre situation is unfolding in India. The new Coronavirus variant, Omicron, has reared its head in five States. At the same time, fresh Covid-19 (probably Delta) cases are being reported from eight States. While scientists study the distinction between the two variants, they currently seem to share the same fallout on patients: they are either asymptomatic or have minor symptoms that have so far not attracted serious medical attention. Four factors stand out in the latest bout of the pandemic in the country. Even a person without any travel history has contracted Omicron, like in Karnataka. Omicron is infecting people irrespective of their vaccination status. Adolescents — this is worrisome — are also getting infected, as has been reported from Gujarat. India is reporting cluster infections involving both the variants. Omicron clusters were reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. Non-Omicron COVID-19 clusters were reported from Telangana and Karnataka. Over 40 students of a medical school in Telangana tested positive following a college event where they wore no masks. Karnataka reported two separate clusters from a school and a college, involving over 300 students and staff, following a freshers’ party. Telangana Public Health Director Dr G Srinivas warns COVID cases may increase by mid-January with numbers peaking by February.
The Government’s medical infrastructure apparatus may be ready to handle a fresh wave, but that is beside the point because the Omicron infection has so far not been intense among its patients, vaccinated or not. The Government faces two issues. One is how to reduce human transmission of the virus. The only option is to mount a massive screening operation in the country, especially in airports, railway stations, and other public transport centres. Sending those who test positive into compulsory quarantine is the need of the hour. The Centre should also coordinate with the States on increasing testing and tracing. Closing down airports and railway stations is not recommended unless the infection is severe enough to cause complications and even death. Secondly, time is running out for the Government to decide on vaccinating children. There are 14-odd crore children in the 12-17 age group in India. Most are already exposed to the Delta variant. Omicron has now begun infecting children in that age group in Gujarat. India is witnessing a unique situation. On the one hand, local outbreaks of Delta are witnessed in areas where the people are not yet exposed. On the other hand, the virus has since mutated into the Omicron variant which is also around. We need an urgent assessment of the implications of this twin-pronged attack. The COVID-19 task force has to address two issues. One, we have waited so far to vaccinate children, and should we now wait a while longer for a new vaccine for children that protects them from new and future variants? Secondly, the South Africa case reveals Omicron is also infecting previously infected people. Has Omicron also the potential to override vaccine-induced immunity?