India government ‘ignored’ COVID-19 warnings: Report

India did not impose major restrictions to stop the coronavirus’ spread despite warnings by scientists.

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 news agency. Despite the warning, four of the scientists said the federal government did not seek to impose major restrictions to stop the spread of the COVID-19. 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. Tens of thousands of farmers, meanwhile, continued to camp on the edge of New Delhi protesting Modi’s agricultural policy changes.