While the COVID-19 situation around the world is becoming worrisome, India is seeing a steady and continuous decline in new cases since mid-September. India's Cases Per Million at 7,031 is still amongst the lowest in the world, while the figure of Deaths Per Million at 102 is also amongst the lowest globally.

At the same time, case positivity rate is continuously declining and cumulatively stands at 6.5% now. This has been stated by Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in course of a media briefing on the actions taken, preparedness and updates on COVID-19, held at National Media Centre, New Delhi today. The Health Secretary also briefed in detail about the Government's preparation for COVID Vaccination drive. Some vaccine candidates which are in different stages of the trial may get licensed in the next few weeks, he further stated.

Speaking about the steps taken by the Union Government for rolling out COVID-19 vaccine, Shri Bhushan said, "When such a huge vaccination drive is taken up, it becomes necessary to have institutional mechanisms at the level of States, Districts and Blocks that will inspect and supervise the entire process. Preparatory activities for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccine being carried by Central Government in collaboration with States/UTs include:

Speaking about the Centre's initiatives, Shri Bhushan mentioned the Vaccine Task Force, which was constituted by the Union Government on April 14, 2020, and is co-chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Member (Health), NITI Aayog. With technical experts and representatives of relevant ministries as its members, it provides guidance for focused research on Corona vaccines and other related Science and Technology Issues.

The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID- 19 (NEGVAC) has also been formed in last August to aid and provide guidance on

i) prioritization of population groups,

ii) procurement and inventory management,

iii) vaccine selection, and  

iv) vaccine delivery and tracking mechanism. The NEGVAC is chaired by Dr V.K.Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog and co-chaired by the Health Secretary.

Stating that vaccination efforts of India are guided by the principles which were laid down by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's address to the Nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day this year, the Health Secretary informed about the current stage of the eight vaccine candidates in India. The PM has also personally interacted with and encouraged all vaccine manufacturers and scientists, he added. Five of them, namely Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, Covaxin manufactured by Bharat Biotech, ZyCoV-D manufactured by Zydus Cadila, Sputnik V which is being manufactured by Dr Reddy's Laboratories and NVX-CoV2373 which is another vaccine by SII are in various stages of Clinical Trial.

Out of these, Covishield and Covaxin have also applied for Emergency Use Authorization. This apart, a Recombinant Protein Antigen based vaccine by Biological E Ltd, mRNA based HGCO 19 vaccine by Genova, Pune; and an Inactivated rabies vector platform vaccine by Bharat Biotech are in various stages of the pre-clinical trial. The vaccine requires 2-3 doses in intervals of 3 to 4 weeks, further informed the Health Secretary. He, however, also cautioned that precautions must be undertaken even after vaccination.

The Health Secretary also informed that maximum active cases are in Maharashtra, followed by Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal and Delhi. These five states contribute 54% of the total active cases in the country.

In reply to a media query, Dr V.K Paul appealed that we need to show confidence in the vaccine that the health regulator approves or allows. At the same time, he urged all not to fall prey to false news or suspicion.