LAUSR

ABSTRACT Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic in India has resulted in mass destruction in the form of second wave.Indian citizens and government were badly affected and were left constrained with basic medical facilities in treating the heavy load of patients. The possibility of reemergence of virulent strains of SARS-CoV-2 still exists. Area covered In this article, we tend to discuss why India is at high risk to be to be affected by the other waves and what strategies could be implemented to contain the viral spread. It provides these insights with reference to the gaps and the lessons learnt from the second wave along with the possible solutions to tackle these problems that were not effectively handled during the previous episodes of viral spread. We propose strategies for implementing effective vaccination programs, focus on speeding up different ways of diagnosis, management of essential hospital aids, prevention from vaccine escape mutant strains and implementation of COVID-appropriate behavior in rural areas of India. Expert opinion This article has significance to the researchers and government officials in understanding the gaps that led to COVID-19 second wave in India and provides an opportunity to improve on certain areas for handling the future waves with more vigilance. Abbreviations: COVID-19 – Coronavirus disease 2019; SARS-COV-2 – severe acute respiratory syndrome – Coronavirus 2; δ – Delta variant; δ+ – Delta plus variant; WHO – World Health Organization; RT –PCR – Reverse transcription PCR; IFN-1 – Interferon 1; VOCs – Variants of concern; HCWs – healthcare workers