COVID­19, arguably, has become endemic in India

Context:

• After 29 months since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, it now appears to be under control. It is time now to deal with it just like any other health condition and integrate COVID-19 interventions into general health services.

Background:

• If one looks at the history of pandemics across the world, it is well known that they fade out after running their course. However, a small proportion (of epidemics or pandemics) transitions to the stage of endemicity, i.e., a level of transmission which is not considered to be a major concern by the public or health authorities.
• The same is the case with COVID-19, although new cases are continuing to be reported from different parts of the world, including India. However, the severity of COVID-19 infections is low and the burden of health services is even lower. This is time when we must start looking at the other issues affecting the health of the population.

Opinion Based Assessment:

• Although there has been a significant decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in India, yet the consensus part is still missing from the books. The main reason that can be sighted here is the discourse in India is dominated by opinions and there is little attention to the objective assessment of what constitutes the endemic stage or endemicity.