Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister Warns India Still Far From Achieving Herd Immunity Against Coronavirus; People Should Follow COVID-19 Norms

Indian population is still far from achieving herd immunity against COVID-19 as shown by Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) second Sero Survey, the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on September 27. Dr Harsh Vardhan said that ICMR expert panel is examining reinfection cases. Dr Vardhan discouraged the wide usage of investigational therapies such as remdesivir and plasma therapies. The Union Health Minister dispelled fears regarding the phased opening of schools and advised on proper protocol to be followed while visiting salons and hair-spa. The Minister asked everyone to always raise awareness regarding COVID appropriate behaviours. He re-emphasized on the need for wearing masks even in places of worship. Meanwhile, India's coronavirus tally has crossed the 60-lakh mark with 82,170 new cases & 1,039 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, according to Health Ministry data. As per the government data, with 74,893 more people having fought off COVID-19, the number of total recoveries crossed the 50 lakh to stand at 50,16,520. A total of 95,542 people have lost their lives to COVID-19 till now. More than 1,000 people a day have died due to the coronavirus since September 2. The country now has 9.62 lakh active cases of COVID-19.