ICMR's second sero-survey findings released on Tuesday has revealed that one in 15 individuals aged 10 years and above were estimated to be exposed to SARS-CoV2 by August, showing that a considerable population is still susceptible to COVID-19.
 

Briefing media on Tuesday, DG ICMR Dr Balram Bhargava said, 6.6 per cent of  over 29 thousand people, aged 10 and above, surveyed from 17th August to 22nd September showed evidence of past exposure to COVID-19 and 7.1 per cent of the adult population, aged 18 and above, also showed evidence of past exposure to it.

 
He said lockdown, containment, and behavioural change at the population level have effectively checked the potential spread of SARS-CoV2.
 
Dr Bhargava said the risk in urban slums was twice than that in non-slum urban areas and four times the risk in rural settings.
 
He said, the second sero-survey was conducted in the same 700 villages and wards from 70 districts from 21 states which were covered during the first survey.
 
But this time, it surveyed different households and individuals.
 
The ICMR DG said, since a large proportion of the population is still susceptible, prevention fatigue has to be avoided and the 5T strategy -- test, track, trace, treat, technology -- has to be adhered to.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister Prakash Javadekar today lauded Central Public Enterprises for doing their work effectively during the pandemic.
 
Releasing a compendium 'Building Self-Reliant, Resurgent, Resilient India' on public sector enterprises contribution amidst the ongoing pandemic, the Minister said, PSUs are the pride of the country.
 
He said, electricity supply during COVID was at 99 per cent. He said, Oil Marketing Companies continued to work round the clock and goods movement also went on seamlessly.