SARS CoV2 Second Wave Onslaught in India and Mass Vaccination Prospects

Abstract

In little over a year, in March 2020 the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic and on March 24, India went into the longest lockdown. On March 25, 2020, the number of new cases stood 121 and deaths were two. Contrast to that, in corresponding month this year, there are more than 53,000 cases daily and more than 250 deaths. It is still rising, doubling every 12-14 days. India is now the country with the highest number of daily infections and casualties. Unlike the first wave, the cases are currently much more widespread and has severely strained the country’s critical care capacity. This paper attempts to note the virus onslaught during Covid-19 second wave and India’s prospect at navigating the pandemic and foster for citizens early and reliable access to vaccines.