@ICMRDELHI conducted a seroprevalence study across India. In this study, they tested people for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Those testing positive have already been infected (with or without symptoms). Seroprevalence studies indicate what % of the country has been infected 1/
The study had 2 parts. The first part, which has been completed, looked at the % of the general population that has been infected. The second part is ongoing and is looking at the % of the population in hot zones that has been infected. 2/ 
According to ICMR (and this is dependent on the accuracy of their test and the study methodology) 0.73% of the general Indian population may have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 at the time of the study. 3/
Some are celebrating our containment efforts since only 0.73% have been infected. Others are worried that 0.73% while a small percentage is a very large absolute number. However containment measures have now been lifted, and 0.73% is very worrying because it’s so low! 4/
If just 0.73% of the general population has been infected, this means India is very early in the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority of the Indian population is still at risk. The worst of the pandemic lies ahead and it will get much, much worse before it gets better 5/
In India we are no where near the peak of this pandemic and we have lifted containment measures. Lockdowns are always temporary but they need to be lifted carefully. Their social and economic cost must be justified with tangible results. 6/
Temporary intensive physical distancing stratergies like lockdowns need to be followed by milder but persistent physical distancing stratergies. Lockdowns followed by nothing are disastrous! They must be followed by ongoing measures. 7/
We wrote #TheCoronavirusBook in February and March before th e pandemic was officially a pandemic. We warned that lockdowns must be followed up by sensible measures. We should not celebrate this 0.73% result. It should be a call to arms. 8/
This is a clear signal that we need to be in state of total war against the virus. Many Indians are acting like the pandemic is over, but the virus is just getting started with India. We can not stop fighting now. Do not let your guard down. Make no mistake we are at war! 9/
@threadreaderapp unroll please
