With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Covid-19 may stop being a public health emergency of international concern this year 

Covid-19 may be over as a as a public health emergency of international concern this year. Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General expressed this hope at a media briefing last week. On 30th January 2020, the WHO declared Covid-19 as a public health emergency of international concern and a pandemic was declared on 11th March the same year. “We are certainly in a much better position now than we have been at any time during the pandemic,” he further said… (Source: WHO, March 17, 2023). 

India Covid situation: Rising Covid cases

In the last 24 hours, 1300 new infections were recorded taking the number of active infections in the country to 7605, according to data from the Health Ministry. Nearly 90,000 tests were carried out yesterday. The recovery rate is 98.79%. The positivity rate is 1.46% (daily) and 1.08% (weekly). With 7530 doses given in last 24 hours, so far a total of 220.65 crore vaccine doses, which includes 95.20 crore second doses and 22.86 crore precaution doses have been administered... (Source: Press Information Bureau, March 23, 2023).

Over 300 samples of XBB1.16 found in India

The XBB.1.16 variant of coronavirus has been suggested to be behind the recent increase in the number of new infections in the country. 349 samples have tested positive for this new strain. Maharashtra has 105 cases, Telangana 93 cases, Karnataka 61 and Gujarat 54 cases. First detected in January in two cases. The number increased to 140 in February and then rose to 207 earlier this month… (Source: Times of India, March 23, 2023).

China develops its first mRNA Covid vaccine 

China has approved its indigenously developed mRNA Covid-19 vaccine, according to the CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd increasing its arsenal against future outbreaks. According to the company, the vaccine had significantly lower adverse effects in elderly subjects compared to an adult group. In December last year, China had lifted its zero Covid restrictions and reopened its borders. Since then, the cases have declined… (Source: Medscape, March 23, 2023).

Predeparture Covid test not mandatory now for Chinese travelers to England 

Chinese travelers to England will no longer need to provide a negative predeparture Covid test from April 5. From yesterday, testing of travelers from mainland China on arrival has also ended. These measures had been instituted in January this year in view of the surge in cases in China… (Source: Reuters, March 17, 2023).

Canada removes Covid test requirement for travelers from China

Canada has joined the list of countries that have removed mandatory Covid testing requirements for travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macao. According to the Health Ministry, this step was taken in view of the improving Covid situation in China… (Source: Reuters, March 17, 2023).

Yale University initiates trial of Paxlovid in recovery of long COVID patients

Yale researchers are conducting a randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) in symptomatic adults with long Covid. The Yale Covid Recovery Study will enrol 100 participants for the study and will assess their recovery and the impact of the drug on the immune system… (Source: prnnewswire, March 21, 2023).