
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), has stated that while news of COVID cases in China is alarming, India should not panic. Poonawalla’s statement comes after China reported an increase in COVID cases, resulting in hospital overcrowding.
“The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India and MoHFW,” said Poonawalla.
The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India and @MoHFW_INDIA.
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) December 21, 2022
Poonawalla is among a number of experts who have urged the public not to panic. While some argue that India is better equipped than it was previously, others argue that India has been adequately vaccinated.
However, the warning issued by epidemiologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding has everyone alarmed. According to the economist, COVID will affect 60% of China and 10% of the world in the next 90 days. He dubbed the resurgence ‘thermonuclear awful’.
Meanwhile, the ministry has called a high-level conference to review the COVID situation on Wednesday. The health ministry has also directed that any positive samples be sent to INSACOG for testing on a daily basis.
Mansukh Mandaviya, the Health Minister, has also requested Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to observe COVID protocols in his Bharat Jodo Yatra and allow only vaccinated individuals to participate, or call off the march’s final stages.