The COVID-19 second wave

India is presently battling an aggressive second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. India launched its vaccination drive in mid-January, starting with the vaccination of priority groups, followed by all those of 70 years and older. The government has meanwhile expanded the vaccination eligibility bracket to include all those above 18 years. The vaccination drive coupled with the availability of vaccines is expected to further increase the anti-COVID battle. 

The 2nd Wave is characterised by virus strains that have been observed to be more contagious and virulent and – according to medical professionals – also may be partially resistant to antibodies developed by symptomatic and asymptomatic infections during the first wave. As a result, the total number of cases and active cases reported on a daily basis are currently triple the peak of the first wave. On April 23rd nationwide there were 346,000 positive cases in a 24-hour period. This has led to medical facilities being overwhelmed in many places in India. There is a shortage of beds as well as many drugs, oxygen, and medical supplies. All major hospitals that are designated for treating Covid-19 patients in and around Auroville and Pondicherry are overloaded and are concentrating their attention and resources on handling only very critical cases of Covid-19. 

In Tamil Nadu the number of active cases has crossed 100,000. The Villupuram district where Auroville is located has registered more than 1,000 active cases, with positive cases in villages where Auroville employees live. The Tamil Nadu government has meanwhile ordered a daily night curfew and full curfew on Sundays. The government also ordered the closure of all restaurants (takeaway and delivery are allowed) and gatherings in large numbers. All travelers coming to Tamil Nadu by air or ship from abroad will be allowed in only after showing the details registered (e-registration) on the website http://eregister.tnega.org when entering Tamil Nadu.

On April 30th, since the beginning of the second wave, Auroville counted 43 positive cases, while in all the months of the first wave only 20 people tested positive. It has been observed that most of the cases this time have symptoms and some have been/are very unwell, whereas in the initial wave almost all cases were asymptomatic. The Working Committee and the Santé medical staff have warned the community that Auroville's own resources for dealing with COVID-19 are very limited, both physically and medically, and that Auroville does not have the human and physical resources to deal with many more cases, especially if they are in a critical condition. Auroville is already challenged in assisting cases who have tested positive and are unwell, and by tracing their contacts to limit further spread, and does not have the medical resources to manage Covid-19 cases who cannot be managed at home due to a deterioration in their condition. The community has been strongly advised to take maximum precautions – wear masks, practise good hand hygiene and keep a safe distance of at least 2 metres from others as far as possible – to reduce the risk of contagion and reduce activities that are not essential. The Secretary has informed the community that no physical meetings are allowed until further notice. The Matrimandir Inner Chamber and all public buildings and playgrounds have been closed as well. 

A call has been made for individuals to meet in our own safe environment at 5 PM every day for 5 to 10 minutes to invoke the Mother and Sri Aurobindo with a call for healing and protection for Auroville, India and the World