India’s top government scientists have officially declared Covid-19 as endemic, marking a significant shift in the country’s pandemic response strategy. According to experts from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the virus is now characterized by small, cyclical outbreaks rather than large-scale waves, thanks to high population immunity and the mild nature of current Omicron sub-variants.
📉 Key Indicators of Endemic Transition
- Active cases have dropped to 5,012, with only two new deaths reported in the last 24 hours.
- The dominant strains—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—are less virulent, causing mostly mild symptoms.
- Vaccination coverage and natural exposure have built strong immune memory in the population, reducing the risk of severe illness.
“Covid-19 has become endemic in India. The good news is that new variants over the last three years have remained mild or milder,” said Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, former head scientist at ICMR.
🧬 Covid-19 Now Behaves Like a Seasonal Illness
Public health experts note that Covid-19 is now acting like a cyclical respiratory disease, with temporary immunity leading to periodic surges every 6 to 12 months. However, these spikes are expected to remain manageable due to widespread immunity.
🧪 Testing and Surveillance Continue
While testing levels have declined, the government continues to monitor Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases. Positive samples are routinely sent for genome sequencing to track emerging variants.
🛡️ Advisory for Vulnerable Groups
Authorities advise elderly individuals and those with comorbidities to remain cautious during seasonal surges. Basic precautions like avoiding crowded places and masking when symptomatic are still recommended.
Stay tuned for updates on India’s evolving public health landscape.
