fredag 25. juni 2021

Delta plus variant: Can India prevent third Covid wave?

India is beginning to reopen after a second wave of Covid-19 infections devastated the country in April and May. But now experts warn that a third wave could strike in the next few months. Courts have questioned state governments over their preparedness, some experts have warned that a third wave could hit within 12-16 weeks, and others are worried that new variants, including the much-talked about Delta plus, could weaken existing vaccines.

Delta plus is related to the Delta, an existing variant of concern first identified in India last year that was responsible for the deadly second wave. But how realistic are these fears? Subsequent waves are expected, but their severity and spread depend on a number of factors.