Reimagining Remote Work for a Post-Pandemic World | Covid
Life After Lockdown
Covid-19 Cases Decline, But Are We Underestimating the Virus?
After nearly a month of surge, Covid-19 cases and deaths due to the virus are on the decline. The number of active cases, which had crossed 7,000 on June 11, has declined to 4,425, according to government data. One fatality was recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to over 50,000.
This decline is a welcome relief for many, but it’s also raised questions about whether we’re becoming too complacent about the virus. According to Dr. Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Saket, “Covid-19 is now endemic. It is not a serious threat.” While this may be true for some people, others are still at risk due to underlying health conditions.
The Changing Nature of Covid-19
One new feature of the current wave is that Covid-19 has become clinically less distinct from other viral respiratory infections, says Dr. Arjun Khanna, who heads pulmonology department at Amrita hospital, Faridabad. This makes it harder to diagnose and treat patients accurately.
Dr. Tickoo also notes that due to the panic and anxiety caused by a surge in cases, some patients have come to his hospital with positive Covid tests. In these cases, treatment involves symptomatic management and rest, as there is no need for hospitalization. “We don’t advise Covid tests for everyone with fever, cough and cold,” he says.
A Call to Action
But what about those who are most vulnerable to the virus? Dr. Khanna reminds us that even without symptoms, patients with co-morbidities such as cancer, kidney disease and heart disease need to take extra care. We also need to be aware of our surroundings and not underestimate the risk of transmission.
So, do we believe that Covid-19 has become less of a threat now? The answer is unclear. While cases are declining, the virus still poses a risk to those who are most vulnerable. As Dr. Tickoo says, “Covid-19 is not gone for good. It’s still out there, waiting to infect someone who isn’t prepared.”
Conclusion
As we move forward in this new phase of the pandemic, it’s essential that we remain vigilant and take precautions. We can do this by getting tested when symptoms arise, taking extra care if we have underlying health conditions, and being aware of our surroundings.
Only then can we hope to truly say that Covid-19 is no longer a threat, but rather an endemic disease that requires ongoing attention and management.
