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JUST IN: Everyone Above 18 In India Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccines From 1 May

After reports of 2.73 lakh cases of COVID-19 as of 19 April, 2021, the country is facing its worst of the pandemic. With little to no protocols being followed, regions going into partial lockdowns (again) and religious and political mass gatherings taking place as if the deadly virus was wiped out last year, India is in some very deep waters.

However, as part of Phase 3, the Union government has announced that starting 1 May, 2021, everyone above the age of 18 is eligible to take the Coronavirus vaccine. Till now, only those above 45 years of age and frontline workers were being vaccinated. This comes as an accelerated plan to contain the spread of the virus, considering the youth is the most mobile section of the population.

According to the government release, 50 per cent of the vaccination supply may be released to the State governments by the manufacturers, and the former may also procure additional units from the latter.

This step is taken to tackle the extremely grave Second Wave of COVID-19 in India. However, we must remember the basics to avoid infection, regardless of the Phase 3 beginning –– wear a mask, sanitize regularly, maintain social distancing and only venture out of the house for essential purposes.

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