Dr Priya Abraham was barely two months into her job as the director of the National Institute of Virology, Pune, when her lab stumbled upon a specimen that would later be confirmed as the first Covid positive case in India. Among the Indian Council of Medical Research’s 27 institutes, the NIV’s mandate is to be a watchdog against viral infections. Its microbial containment facility in Pune has been working with the actual living virus of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. In an exclusive interview, Abraham tells THE WEEK about the “trial by fire” at the NIV, the current “relatively quieter” period, the changing behaviour of the virus and why it is too early to bring down one’s guard. Excerpts:
What is your current assessment of the Covid-19 situation?
The virus has not gone away. It is very much in our midst and it is equally highly infectious and transmissible even now. But we need to prevent its fast spread because the quick transmission will encourage the creation of mutations. We are slowly upping the percentage of people who are completely vaccinated. A good number of people are adhering to social measures required to curtail the spread. So we are seeing a lower number of cases across the country, except in some states. Vaccines are extremely effective in preventing serious disease and deaths due to the virus, including the Delta variant, but it is a fact that they are not able to give more than 90 per cent protection against picking up the infection. Hence, following Covid appropriate behaviour is still recommended.
How long can the vaccines protect us?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict