As reports of a new strain of coronavirus in Maharashtra emerge, AIIMS Chief, Dr. Randeep Guleria on Saturday, 20 February, told NDTV that herd immunity, especially in the case of the new Indian strains – found in Amravati and Akola – is a “myth” because at least 80 percent of the population needs to have developed antibodies to fight the virus.
The doctor added that the new strain is “highly transmissible and dangerous” and could cause re-infections for those who have previously developed anti-bodies. Guleria attributed the re-infections to the “immune escape mechanism” of variants of the virus.
Advising people to maintain “Covid appropriate behavior”, Guleria emphasized the importance of getting the vaccine nevertheless, saying that although the person may not be immune to the new strain, they are likely to develop a milder version of it. Thereafter, the vaccine may be effective with reduced efficacy, added the report.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has informed that political, religious, and social gatherings will be prohibited in Maharashtra from Monday, 22 February, in view of rising COVID-19 cases.
According to PTI, CM Uddhav Thackeray also said:
“COVID-19 raising its head in Maharashtra again; will know in 8 to 15 days if this is another wave.”
Meanwhile, NDTV, has quoted CM Thackeray as saying that they will have to order a lockdown if cases keep rising for eight to 15 days.
“Do we need a lockdown? If you behave responsibly, we will know in the next eight days. Those who don’t want a lockdown, will wear a mask. Those who want a lockdown, will not wear one. So wear a mask and say ‘No’ to the lockdown.”
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray
(With inputs from PTI and NDTV.)
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