Pandemics, however, do not always follow patterns. Their trajectory depends on the mutations of the pathogen. While the world hoped for respite, sars-cov-2—the virus that causes covid-19—was changing. The indications of this change were first reported by South Africa and explain the current rise in covid-19 numbers.
In the week preceding November 19, South Africa was reporting just 200-300 cases a day. The increase in covid-19 cases in Gauteng—the South African province now reporting a majority of the country’s cases—was also insignificant. Gauteng had already seen a wave of the Delta variant in July 2021 and 60-80 per cent of its population had begun showing antibodies in serology tests. But the numbers continued to rise for days, startling scientists. Between November 21 and November 28, covid-19 cases in Gauteng rose by over 360 per cent.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 16, 2021-Ausgabe von Down To Earth.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 16, 2021-Ausgabe von Down To Earth.
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A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits
DIGGING A DISASTER
Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag
TROUBLED WOODS
Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health
BLINDING GLOW
The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.
GROUND REALITY
What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.
Vinchurni's Gandhi
A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara