NEW DELHI, Oct 27 - The COVID-19 pandemic in India is showing a declining trend, except for two to three states, the government said on Tuesday, noting that it is �particularly noteworthy� vis-a-vis some countries in the northern hemisphere where a severe increase in the intensity of the virus� spread is being seen.
The situation related to the pandemic in the world is particularly concerning and it has been seen that countries of much greater economic capability and per capita income, and having a good health system can succumb to a huge second peak, Chairperson of the National Task Force on COVID-19, VK Paul, NITI Aayog member for health, told media.
�We are fortunate that our trend is in the opposite direction. We are showing a decline of the pandemic, except in two or three states. This decline is noteworthy because in several countries there is an increase in the intensity of pandemic,� he said.
The pandemic, largely in the northern hemisphere, has struck again in several countries. The third peak has come in the US, Paul said, adding that �becoming a bit lax..slowing down surveillance, containment strategies also must be playing a role�.
He said that Kerala, West Bengal and Delhi are proceeding towards a third peak.
This is a matter of concern and there can be no complacency in following COVID-19 �appropriate behaviour� in the coming times as more challenges will emerge, Paul said.
More festivals are coming and �where ever we have faltered in the last few days, it will show in 10 to 12 days�, he said.
Secretary in the Health Ministry, Rajesh Bhushan, said that it has been observed that states and Union Territories like Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi have reported rise in cases during the festival season.
�It is mandatory for all of us to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour in the festival season,� he said. � PTI
