India should not be concerned about the current surge of Covid-19 cases in China, which is projected to reach as high as 65 million cases per week by the end of June. Experts suggest that India need not worry because the country has already been exposed to the Omicron subvariant, which is causing the surge in China.
The resurgence of Covid-19 in China, fueled by the XBB subvariant, has been evident since late April. According to a presentation by respiratory disease specialist Zhong Nanshan, the number of infections is expected to peak at 65 million per week in June. However, Indian experts from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) state that India has already surpassed this stage and emerged unscathed.
INSACOG, a joint initiative of various Indian organizations, monitors the genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2. They reveal that the XBB subvariant, a combination of Omicron’s BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 subvariants, was the most prevalent sublineage in India in November-December. Despite its prevalence, it did not result in increased hospitalization rates or deaths.
The Indian government’s measures, including extensive vaccination coverage and natural immunity acquired by a significant portion of the population, played a crucial role in preventing the severity of the disease. In contrast, China’s stringent lockdown measures limited the development of immunity against the fast-mutating virus.
It is important to note that the dominant recombinant variant of Sars-CoV-2 in India is currently XBB.1.16, with no signs of increased severity in the disease. Dr. R Gangakhedkar, former head of the epidemiology division at the Indian Council of Medical Research, advises vulnerable individuals to continue following Covid-appropriate behavior and precautions.
In summary, experts assure India that there is no cause for alarm regarding China’s Covid spike. India’s prior exposure to the Omicron subvariant, along with the government’s measures and natural immunity, has positioned the country well to withstand the current wave.