Indian Strains of COVID Could Be More Infectious: AIIMS Chief
Dr Randeep Guleria added that the new strain is “highly transmissible and dangerous” and could cause re-infections.
Comments
As reports of a new strain of coronavirus in Maharashtra emerge, AIIMS Chief, Dr Randeep Guleria on Saturday, 20 February, told NDTV that herd immunity, especially in the case of the new Indian strains – found in Amravati and Akola – is a “myth” because at least 80 percent of the population needs to have developed anti-bodies to fight the virus.
The doctor added that the new strain is “highly transmissible and dangerous” and could cause re-infections for those who have previously developed anti-bodies. Guleria attributed the re-infections to “immune escape mechanism” of variants of the virus.
MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a major crackdown against restaurants, bars and pubs for violating Covid-19 norms over the weekend.
The BMC filed an FIR against 145 Bandra (restaurant and bar) for allowing close to 250 people at the outlet and not maintaining social distancing.
The BMC also conducted raids and penalised popular restaurants and pubs such as Irish House, U Turn Sports Bar and Quarter Pillar Bar in the Bandra-Khar area.
These establishments were penalised between Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 for violation of Covid-19 norms.
The BMC on Saturday collected over Rs 32 lakh in fines from people for not wearing masks.