The Covid data of the past two weeks is a sobering pointer to the persistence of the pandemic’s second wave in several pockets of the country. At 5.5 per cent, last week’s decline in the country’s caseload was the lowest since the second wave peaked on May 9. There are concerns that crowded markets and tourist centres could incubate another countrywide surge of the disease. Micro-containment strategies have been the responsibility of state governments for more than a year. Most states have, unfortunately, interpreted this remit in a narrow sense to impose lockdowns or similar emergency measures when faced with a rapid surge in cases.

Source: Indian Express July 14, 2021 21:56 UTC