It cannot be said that Delhi has attained herd immunity despite the latest serological survey showing that 97 per cent people here have developed antibodies against COVID-19, experts said on Thursday and cautioned people to not let their guard down.
The sixth serological survey has showed that the national capital had a seropositivity rate of 97 per cent, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Thursday. All districts were found to have a seroprevalence of over 95 per cent, he said.
Dr Pragya Sharma, professor at Maulana Azad Medical College's department of community medicine, who was involved in finalising the sero survey results, said herd immunity is achieved when we know what will be its cut-off.
We cannot say whether Delhi has attained herd immunity although 97 per cent people have antibodies against COVID-19, she said.
Explaining further, she said if the virus is the same variant or it does not undergo significant mutations, people of Delhi will be safe.
"Whatever variants would come, if there are no significant changes in the antigenic properties, this protection will stand," she added.
She said it is presumed that if the mutant virus, the cases of which have been detected on Maharashtra, comes to Delhi, it won't create a havoc like it did in April-May.
"People should not let their guard down. The more the virus passes through the population, the more it is likely to undergo mutations. It is a new and unpredictable virus," she added.
Dr Parinita Kaur, senior consultant - internal medicine, Aakash Healthcare in Dwarka, said the numbers (of the sero survey) are a welcome sign.
"Hardly any household was unaffected during the second wave in April-May. These numbers indicate that people have already been infected in large numbers. But we are in the middle of the festive season and people need to avoid crowding and get-togethers. Even last year, there was a surge in cases post Diwali. People need to be cautious," she added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Has There Been A Major Undercount Of Punjab Farm Fires? What Satellite Pics Show How Air Pollution Increases The Risk Of Diabetes Opinion: Opinion | Delhi's Air Pollution Situation Is Like A Bad Marriage Amazon Employee Greets Friend At Wedding, Dies Of Cardiac Arrest AAP's 7 'Revdis' Ahead Of Delhi Polls: Electricity, Education, Water "Truth Is...": BJP Leader Slaps Case Against Rahul Gandhi In Cash-For-Vote Row Has There Been An Undercount Of Punjab Farm Fires? What Satellite Pics Show Speed, Range, Threat: All About Russia's Oreshnik Missile Fired On Ukraine Bodies Of Infant, 5 Hostages Of Same Family Killed In Manipur Brought Home Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.