The Straits Times
Scientists say India government ignored warnings amid coronavirus surge
India is struggling to contain a second wave of infections much more severe than its first last year.PHOTO: REUTERS
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Modi, his top lieutenants, other politicians, opposition figures, held election rallies throughout March and April
Reuters
May 01, 2021
A general view of the mass cremation of those who died from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a crematorium in New Delhi, India April 26, 2021. REUTERS
A forum of scientific advisers set up by the government warned Indian officials in early March of a new and more contagious variant of the coronavirus taking hold in the country, five scientists who are part of the forum told Reuters.
Despite the warning, four of the scientists said the federal government did not seek to impose major restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. Millions of largely unmasked people attended religious festivals and political rallies that were held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition politicians.
By Devjyot Ghoshal and Krishna N. Das
NEW DELHI, May 1 (Reuters) - A forum of scientific advisers set up by the government warned Indian officials in early March of a new and more contagious variant of the coronavirus taking hold in the country, five scientists who are part of the forum told Reuters.
Despite the warning, four of the scientists said the federal government did not seek to impose major restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. Millions of largely unmasked people attended religious festivals and political rallies that were held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition politicians.
India Covid crisis: Scientists say govt ignored warnings amid surge
Reuters/New Delhi
Photo: Reuters
Researchers first detected B.1.617, which is now known as the Indian variant of the virus, as early as February.
A forum of scientific advisers set up by the government warned Indian officials in early March of a new and more contagious variant of the coronavirus taking hold in the country, five scientists who are part of the forum told Reuters.
Despite the warning, four of the scientists said the federal government did not seek to impose major restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. Millions of largely unmasked people attended religious festivals and political rallies that were held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition politicians.
In March and early April, millions of largely unmasked people attended religious festivals and political rallies that were held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition parties.