On Saturday, top public experts In India, it is stated that there is no need to declare COVID-19 an endemic disease in India. The experts added that the COVID situation has slipped into that stage at least a year ago in India and other parts of the world.

Dr. Gagandeep Kang, a professor at Christian Medical College, Vellore, and Dr. T. Jacob John, a retired professor, stated that the world should accept this situation and ensure that the surveillance for new virus variants continues. Dr. Kang noted that it became clear that getting rid of the COVID virus would not be feasible after the Delta wave. The only way to prevent severe outcomes was to ensure complete protection from prior infection, vaccination, and appropriate use of antiviral drugs.

Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, former head scientist of epidemiology and communicable diseases at ICMR, revealed that Omicron and its variants were triggering milder symptoms and low hospitalization. He added that although the country is moving towards endemicity, the governmental agencies are not sure about the assessment of the correct numbers as many people are not even coming forward to test.

Additionally, while commenting on the central government′s decision not to procure more vaccine doses, citing adequate reserves in states, Dr. Kang stated that COVID vaccines (and boosters) should be added to the national routine immunization program. 

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/covid-has-been-endemic-in-india-for-a-year-top-experts/articleshowprint/95328046.cms )