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India's Festive Season Poses Fresh Risk as Pandemic Crosses Peak

Anjana Pasricha

   NEW DELHI - India heads into its monthlong Hindu festival season with
   some good news -- a government-appointed committee of experts says that
   the COVID-19 pandemic is past its peak and will have run its course by
   February as daily infections tumble by more than one-third in the
   world's second-worst-hit country.

   Health experts warn, though, that much of the gain could unravel in a
   country where large community gatherings and socializing are the
   hallmarks of festive celebrations, where consumers indulge in a
   spending spree at this time of the year, and where messages about
   social distancing and masks are being ignored by many.

   In a Tuesday address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
   pointed to Western countries as he appealed to people not to lower
   their guard during the festive season.

   "Recently, we saw many photos and videos where it is clearly seen that
   people have stopped taking precautions and are not careful anymore.
   This isn't right," Modi told the country of 1.3 billion that has
   counted 7.7 million cases so far.

   "Keep in mind, be it America or countries in Europe, cases declined but
   suddenly increased again, that too alarmingly," he said.

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