Is the worst of the Covid crisis behind India? As cases dip three weeks after Diwali, the answer is a possible yes, say several health experts, attributing the downslide to a large section of the population already exposed to the virus during the deadly second wave and a stepped-up vaccination campaign by the government. Though there are always imponderables, including the possibility of a new, transmissible variant and the onset of winter in large parts of the country, a third wave as devastating as the second one is unlikely, they said while advising caution and vigilance.

A cyclist rides past a mural depicting Covid testing in New Delhi. Pic/AFP