WHO says virus variant first found in India spreads more easily and is of 'global concern'
Several states have imposed localised lockdowns, curfews and curbs on movement over the last month.
However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is coming under increasing pressure to announce a nationwide lockdown and stop the spread of the virus. He is also facing criticism for allowing massive gatherings at Hindu festivals and election rallies to go ahead despite rising cases.On Monday, Delhi's health minister said the capital had just three or four days of vaccine supplies left.
Shortages are further disrupting a lagging vaccination programme, with just over 34.8 million, or about 2.5% of the population receiving both doses of a vaccine so far. The WHO says current vaccines will continue to be effective against the Indian variant, although the WHO's technical lead did say there may be some evidence of "reduced neutralization," at a press conference on Monday.
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