Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SHP)

New Delhi, May 7: As the rate of coronavirus infection grows, there is an increasing concern for containing the same. Different countries across the globe are racing to find a cure for the virus. However, the creation of a cure is much more complicated than it sounds. The fact of the matter still stands that even if the vaccine gets created, it should also be successful when it comes to human trials.

While the United Kingdom has backed off from the thought, India could likely consider the strategy of 'herd immunity'. The strategy is to develop a resistance to the virus where a major chunk of the population develops immunity against the virus.

Herd immunity is a situation where either by vaccination or naturally developing immunity because of an infection, a group can get resistance to the virus.

The strategy could likely result in less economic devastation than what a lockdown would cause. A group of experts have begun debating over the probabilities of such an option for a country like India with a population of 1.3 billion.

“No country can afford a prolonged period of lockdown, and least of all a country like India,” said Jayaprakash Muliyil, a prominent Indian epidemiologist. “You may be able to reach a point of herd immunity without infection really catching up with the elderly. And when the herd immunity reaches a sufficient number, the outbreak will stop, and the elderly are also safe.”

Officially, there is no such step taken to test the strategy of herd immunity, therefore, it is unclear whether such activity has already commenced or is being considered.

Indian districts are divided into three zones of Green, Orange and Red zones, with more than 43 per cent of districts falling under the green zone. Those under green zones are being given certain relaxations and allowed to resume specific economic activities. Residents in these zones may undergo herd immunity test as shops, markets, offices, autos, taxis, bus services, businesses and industrial activities have started with compliance of social distancing. There is a movement of people belonging to the green zones to different places. These zones may provide a clue to the herd immunity and would ultimately reduce the risk of coronavirus infection. However, the real challenge would be the application of the tests in areas which are classified as Red zones. In these areas, several could be infected and then naturally develop immunity against the infection, thereby proving whether such a strategy would actually work.