The validity and robustness of the models utilized, as well as the technique of data collecting, are questioned, India said on Thursday, in response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) use of mathematical models to predict unduly high death projections due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the WHO, approximately 15 million people have died as a result of the coronavirus or its impact on overburdened health systems in the last two years, which is more than double the official death toll of 6 million. According to WO, the majority of the deaths occurred in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Excess #COVID Mortality Estimates by @WHO: A rejoinder#India strongly objects to use of mathematical models for projecting excess mortality estimates in view of availability of authentic datahttps://t.co/u51mfvzH6t pic.twitter.com/OHP6e32W6y
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) May 5, 2022
Even though Omicron variation BA.2 remains prevalent in most parts of the world, sublineages BA.4 and BA.5 are driving a new rise in South Africa, according to WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He went on to say that while it’s too early to tell if these new sub-variants can cause more severe disease than existing Omicron sub-variants, early evidence suggests that immunization is still essential for protection against severe disease and mortality.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the necessity of continuing testing and sequencing, stating that the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants were discovered because South Africa continues to perform essential genetic sequencing that many other countries have abandoned. “In many countries we’re essentially blind to how the virus is mutating. We don’t know what’s coming next,” Dr Tedros said at a WHO press conference held on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, according to official data released by the Ministry of Health on Thursday morning, India has reported 3,275 new Covid-19 cases and 55 new deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the figures, the active caseload increased to 19,719. The daily positivity rate was 0.77 percent, while the weekly positivity rate was 0.78 percent.
In a related event, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla emphasized on Wednesday night through Twitter that the Covid-19 vaccine Covovax is now available to anyone above the age of 12 years.
A lot of you have asked if Covovax is available for adults. The answer is yes, it is available for everyone above the age of 12.
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) May 4, 2022
The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) told PTI that it has taken numerous efforts to restrict the spread of the virus in light of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the national capital. Separate registration counters for suspected coronavirus patients, separate lineups for medical consultations, specialized lab testing facilities, and separate counters for free drug distribution are among the steps used. The NDMC also stated that it is willing to supply one month’s worth of drugs in advance to chronic disease patients.
According to a statement from the NDMC, all NDMC hospitals and health centers have been directed to create suitable signage arrangements on the premises of hospitals and health units. PPE kits, masks, gloves, sanitizers, liquid soaps, and pulse oximeters, among other items, have been ordered to be kept in sufficient supply by hospital employees and medical officers. According to the statement, oxygen providing units and PSA oxygen plants installed at hospitals have been requested to remain functioning in case of an emergency.