"Low Positivity, High Vaccination": Top Medical Body Chief's Unlock Guide

ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said low weekly positivity rate, vaccination of vulnerable sections and Covid-appropriate behaviour are key to easing lockdowns

Lockdowns imposed by state governments to break the chain of transmission have to be lifted "very gradually, very slowly" to avoid a third wave of infections, ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said Tuesday afternoon, during the centre's bi-weekly briefing on the Covid situation in India. Dr Bhargava suggested a three-point plan - focusing on a low positivity rate, vaccination and Covid-appropriate behaviour - to help states identify areas where the lockdown can lifted. "Re-opening revolves around three pillars - a weekly positivity rate below five per cent, at least 70 per cent vaccination of vulnerable sections (elderly and 45+ with co-morbidities), and community-ownership of Covid-appropriate behaviour," he said. "Ramped up (testing) and containment at district level has worked but this is not a sustainable solution. We have to ease the lockdown very gradually, very slowly," he added.