Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, began in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. The first case of the virus was identified in December 2019 and was linked to a seafood market in Wuhan. Since then, the COVID-19 has been impacting lives without any end in sight. India also faced multiple waves and lost over 5 lakh lives so far, around 7 million deaths have been recorded globally. So far there have been several variants of the virus -- B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, Delta, B.1.617.2, BA.5. Omicron BF.7 strain is driving the current wave of Covid infections in China. As of now, India reported four cases of the Omicron sub-variant BF.7 which is a sub-lineage of the previous Omicron variant BA.5 and has one of the highest transmissibility amongst all COVID variants so far.
The new Omicron variant is expected to infect 60 per cent of people in China in the coming three months. Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe, and can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and body aches. The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, many countries have implemented measures such as lockdowns, travel restrictions, mask mandates, and social distancing guidelines. Vaccines have been developed and are being distributed globally, but it is important to continue following public health guidelines and getting vaccinated to help bring the pandemic under control.
Cases yesterday - 226, Deaths yesterday - 1, Total deaths - 5,30,693, Total cases - 4,46,77,106 (Source - https://www.mygov.in/covid-19)
...read moreCan India have its Adolescence? Deepanjana Pal writes on films that fill a void
How Loves Moves, an exquisite documentary set in Delhi, is showing at an art gallery. Where else must we seek out our best and brightest?

Five years after Covid-19: Lessons in agile health care innovation
This article is authored by Dr Balram Bhargava.

UK unveils watch list of 24 pathogen families for public health preparedness
The UK Health Security Agency aims to direct research efforts and expedite vaccine development for viruses like Covid-19, bird flu, and Ebola

Scientifically Speaking: Five years after Covid-19, mRNA vaccines still matter
Once hailed as a pandemic miracle, mRNA technology might revolutionise healthcare if we keep investing in it.

Eliminating TB in India: A journey of progress and challenges
While political will and resources are in place, more consistent grassroots execution is needed to eliminate TB.
