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India on Saturday extended eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to people over the age of 18 as the country reported another world record of new cases and states announced new blockades in an attempt to curb the massive increase in coronavirus, according to The New York Times .
Several states reported that vaccine shortages prevented them from expanding access, and officials urged caution not to overwhelm vaccination centers.
“As soon as the vaccines arrive, we will let you know and you will be able to come under fire,” Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s chief minister, said on Saturday.
Kejriwal also extended the closure in the nation’s capital until May 10, okay to the BBC.
“We call on you not to group vaccination centers in the coming days,” he said.
India reported nearly 402,000 new cases daily on Saturday, becoming the first country to report more than 400,000 cases in a single day. According to the country, more than 300,000 cases have been reported daily for more than ten days in a row and Reuters.
At the same time, about 150 million shots have been fired, with approximately 11% of the population receiving the first dose and 2% considering that they are fully vaccinated.
Hospitals continue to suffer from bed shortages, medical oxygen and personal protective equipment. At a Delhi hospital, 12 people died on Saturday when critically ill patients lacked oxygen for about 80 minutes before tankers arrived. and The Associated Press. In the western state of Gujarat, a hospital fire killed 18 patients and two health workers.
Ten states in India have imposed some form of restrictions, including night curfews, weekend closures or two-week full stops, the AP reported. On Sunday, the northern state of Haryana announced a complete closure by May 10, okay on CNN. Last week, nine Haryana districts were closed and state officials decided on Sunday to cover the entire state.
The entire country should consider an “immediate” closure for a few weeks, Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, he said The Indian Express Friday.
“No one likes to close the country,” he said. “But if you only do it for a few weeks, you could have a significant impact on the dynamics of the outbreak.”
Sources
The New York Times: “India’s Nightmare: High Cases, Vaccine Shortages, Hospital Fires.”
BBC: “India’s coronavirus: vaccination for over-18s is hit by shortages.”
Reuters: “India’s daily COVID-19 cases remain almost recorded, another state imposes a blockade.”
The Associated Press: “Indian court urges government action while hospitals call for help.”
CNN: “The Indian state of Haryana announces a complete closure for a week.”
The Indian Express: “Dr. Anthony S Fauci on the Covid Crisis of India.”
