Modi, his top lieutenants, other politicians, opposition figures, held election rallies throughout March and April
Reuters
May 01, 2021
A general view of the mass cremation of those who died from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a crematorium in New Delhi, India April 26, 2021. REUTERS
A forum of scientific advisers set up by the government warned Indian officials in early March of a new and more contagious variant of the coronavirus taking hold in the country, five scientists who are part of the forum told Reuters.
Despite the warning, four of the scientists said the federal government did not seek to impose major restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. Millions of largely unmasked people attended religious festivals and political rallies that were held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition politicians.
Scientists explain how India s government ignored warnings amid coronavirus surge
By
Saturday May 01, 2021
A general view of the mass cremation of those who died from the coronavirus at a crematorium in New Delhi, India April 26, 2021. Photo: Reuters
Scientists say India government ignored warnings amid coronavirus surge
The warning about the new variant in early March was issued by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics Consortium. It was conveyed to a top official who reports directly to the prime minister.
The world’s second-most populous country is now struggling to contain a second wave of infections much more severe than its first last year.
Indians rush for vaccines as Covid toll tops 200,000
Reuters/Mumbai
AFP
Second wave of infections has seen at least 300,000 people test positive each day.
Indians struggled to register online for a mass vaccination drive set to begin at the weekend as the country s toll from the coronavirus surged past 200,000 on Wednesday, worsened by shortages of hospital beds and medical oxygen.
The second wave of infections has seen at least 300,000 people test positive each day for the past week, overwhelming health facilities and crematoriums and prompting an increasingly urgent response from allies overseas sending equipment.
The last 24 hours brought 360,960 new cases for the world s largest single-day total, taking India s tally of infections to nearly 18 million. It was also the deadliest day so far, with 3,293 fatalities carrying the toll to 201,187.