The second wave of coronavirus involving its Delta variant had badly hit the country. For this reason, people were panicked when the latest wave of the Omicron mutant resurged about a month ago. Now, however, we have good news to be happy that the third wave has been fading away rapidly. The infection rate of COVID-19 cases has declined by over 18 per cent this week in comparison to the earlier week. This week’s infection rate is 11.4 per cent while it was 30 per cent last week. The national recovery rate has also increased to 96.6 per cent with active cases coming down to 20,739 on Monday. Around six weeks back, virus new wave had started resurging with the spread of Omicron variant across the country.

The infection rate of Omicron is much higher than Alpha and Delta variants. Considering the threat of Omicron variant, health safety measures had been increased again. The government had closed educational institutions and prohibited the gathering of over 25 people. Similarly, smart lockdown was imposed in the field of public transportation and others. The latest wave that saw rapid spread also saw its fast going away. As the infection rate has been decreasing day by day for the past two weeks, all educational institutions have reopened from Sunday as per the government's decision. Cinema halls too have reopened.

The fatality rate seen during the recent wave of the virus has shown that the Omicron variant is weaker than the previous two variants of COVID-19, and thus less harmful. Vaccine backed immunity enhancement of the people is another main reason less people have fallen seriously ill and admitted to hospital. The government’s focus to inoculate all eligible citizens early is laudable. As of Monday, the government has administered a total of 35,531,833 doses of vaccine against COVID-19. According to the Health Ministry, 18,261,165 people have received their first dose of the vaccine and 16,525,155 have received their full dose. Among the target group of above 18 years of age, 90 per cent have received their first dose and 75.2 per cent both shots. Likewise, 87 per cent of children aged 12 to 17 years received first dose and 41 per cent second dose.

Scientists and health experts have predicted that the recent wave caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is the beginning of the end of the pandemic. If their prediction proves true, it will be great news for the entire humankind. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued more than two years now. Historical experience tells that the period of any pandemic is two to four years. So, there is a reason to be hopeful that the pandemic is going to see its own demise. However, such a hope should not make us more complacent and less cautious. Citizens of all ages cross the country must remain aware and abide by all the safety rules. They should also not stay away from getting vaccinated. It is because the COVID-19 pandemic has not phased out yet. Our social, educational, recreational and business activities should take into account the trend of the virus spread and harming capacity.