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MUMBAI: India said on Sunday (September 13) that it was considering granting an emergency authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for older people and people in high-risk workplaces, as the number of reported infections in the country exceeded 4.75 million.
India, which has consistently reported more than 1,000 COVID-19 deaths a day this month, has now recorded 78,586 deaths from the disease. It only trails the United States globally in total number of infections, but has been adding more daily cases than the United States since mid-August.
“India is considering the emergency authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. “If there is a consensus, we can move on, especially for older people and people who work in high-risk settings.”
Vardhan said the schedule for Phase III trials could be shortened by granting an emergency authorization, but stressed that no corners will be cut in clinical trials and that a vaccine will only be available when the government can guarantee its safety and efficacy.
He said no date has been set for a vaccine launch, but additional trial results should be clear by the first quarter of 2021.
“The government has recently established a group of vaccine experts to study various issues related to the delivery of vaccines to vulnerable populations,” he added.
The comments came as the Indian Ministry of Health reported 94,372 new COVID-19 cases and 1,114 deaths on Sunday.
The government’s efforts to reactivate the economy, which experienced a 23.9% contraction in the April-June quarter, have been hampered by the increase in cases.
The western state of Maharashtra, the country’s richest and key industrial center, has recorded more than 1.03 million infections.
In a briefing on Sunday, State Prime Minister Uddhav Thackeray urged residents to wear masks, maintain social distancing and avoid crowds, amid mounting fatigue from a prolonged lockdown that has left many people relax regarding precautions.
The state has gradually eased several restrictions and recently allowed hotels to operate under certain conditions, although many businesses remain closed. Thackeray said Maharashtra was considering reopening restaurants and gyms following appeals from business owners.
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