The government reported today that about two-thirds of all Indians above the age of six, or 67.6% of the population, had antibodies against the coronavirus, according to the results of the fourth serosurvey.
The ministry stated that about 40 crore individuals are still at risk of infection, warning against laxity in adopting Covid-appropriate behavior and urging eligible people to be vaccinated.
“The fourth serosurvey shows there is a ray of hope, but there is no room for complacency. We must maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour,” ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said.
In June and July, 67.6% of Indians over the age of six have COVID-19 antibodies, according to a study of 36,227 people, including 7,252 healthcare staff, performed across 70 districts in 21 states.
Antibodies were found in almost half of the 8,691 youngsters aged six to seventeen who were examined. This was the first nationwide survey to test for antibodies in people under the age of 18 – a move made in response to widespread fears that future waves may harm youngsters.
COVID-19 antibodies were found in 51.18 percent of individuals under the age of 18 in a Mumbai survey last month.
The 67.6% number is a significant increase over the third serosurvey’s results.
Only 21% of individuals over the age of 10 exhibited signs of previous exposure to COVID-19, according to a study conducted in December-January, just before the second wave began.
Last year’s serosurveys, performed in August-September (during the initial wave of illnesses) and May-June, yielded 7.1 and 0.7 percent indications, respectively.
Despite the centre implementing one of the world’s toughest lockdowns and states responding with a variety of localised restrictions, the results of the fourth serosurvey show the virus has infected roughly 67 percent of India’s population in a year.
Medical experts and doctors have repeatedly warned of a third wave of infections and deaths, particularly since the second brought the country’s healthcare system to its knees.
However, images of people eschewing even the most basic protocols – wearing face masks and maintaining social distance in public – have drawn criticism and renewed fears. The government has repeatedly urged people to follow the rules, with Prime Minister Modi among the voices.
Some states’ decision to allow large-scale religious gatherings has increased the potential for the virus to spread. Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have both been hauled up by the Supreme Court for allowing Bakrid (Eid-ul-Azha) and the Kanwar Yatra to be celebrated.
