How Effective Is Sputnik V Against Delta Variant Of COVID-19?

Sputnik V Effectiveness Against Delta Variant: The makers stated on June 29 that the Russian vaccine is around 90% effective against the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, which is expected to propel the third wave in India.

The vaccine, which has been actively marketed abroad, was previously reported to be around 92% effective against the original strain of coronavirus.

Moscow's Gamaleya Institute deputy director Denis Logunov said that the vaccine efficacy figure was estimated based on digital medical and vaccine records, the RIA reported.

The AIIMS Director warned of the approaching of the COVID-19 third wave earlier this month, stating that the wave might hit the country within August if proper pandemic protocols are not maintained in the busy places of the country, majorly, market places.

PTI quoted AIIMS chief’s Randeep Guleria saying, “If Covid-appropriate behaviour is not followed, the third wave can happen in six to eight weeks. We need to work aggressively to prevent another large wave till vaccination kicks in.”

However, a nationwide lockdown is not the solution to keep the pandemic in check, the reason being the adverse effects on the economy, Guleria added. Instead, stricter surveillance and area-specific lockdowns can be followed.

COVID-19 Cases Update

According to a report by NDTV, India recorded less than 40,000 newly reported active cases on June 28. This is the minimum number of cases recorded in three months. Out of a total number of deaths include 397,668, of which, 907 deaths were reported on June 28 alone.

While the weekly positivity rate is currently at 2.74%, the daily positivity rate is 2.12% for 22 consecutive days. COVID-19 positivity rate below 5% is considered to be a safe zone, as declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO).