A year since India screeched to a halt, Covid-19 makes a comeback

One year since India took the decisive step to lock its doors to the coronavirus, the pandemic outbreak is still not over as numbers indicate a second coming in several parts of the country.

Maharashtra recently recorded its highest single-day increase in fresh cases. The top 5 states – Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh – account for over 80 per cent of new cases. For many districts, 2021 has brought a sense of déjà vu with fresh restrictions being imposed.

There was some respite with the launch of vaccination in January, but less than 5 per cent of the population has been inoculated so far. There is a clamour among states to increase coverage to all aged above 18. The Centre, however, is treading cautiously.