Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi (DD)

New Delhi, Jun 5: As India experiences a surge in Covid-19 cases driven by new sub-lineages, leading Indian scientists have calmed public fears, stating that the current variants are not causing severe illness nor threatening a health crisis. Unlike the devastating Delta wave of 2021, the ongoing rise is characterised by mild symptoms and very low fatality risk for most people.

Dr. Vineeta Bal, renowned immunologist and former National Institute of Immunology expert, explained that widespread vaccination and prior infections have significantly reduced the virus’s impact. “Earlier, the virus was new to our immune systems. Now, most people have immunity through infection or vaccination, which helps the body fight back effectively,” she said.

She further noted that Covid-19 has evolved to behave more like seasonal flu, with new variants likely to emerge but causing serious disease mainly among vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with underlying health issues.

Echoing this, former AIIMS chief Dr. Randeep Guleria called Covid “endemic” — a virus that will persist and mutate but without causing crises. “We are not in a crisis situation,” he said.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, reassured the public that current infections are mostly mild. “There is no need to panic. Routine precautions are sufficient; extraordinary measures are unnecessary,” he stated.

While urging vigilance, Dr. Bal stressed that high-risk individuals still need protection but for the general population, Covid is now manageable.

With widespread community immunity and no severe threat from emerging variants, experts agree India is gradually learning to live with Covid as a part of daily life — a hopeful sign far removed from the uncertainty of earlier pandemic days.