Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in India (2021)

The following is a timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in India during the year 2021. It details key events, government responses, and notable developments related to the spread and impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus throughout the country.

January 2021:

• January 3: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approves two COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use: Covishield (manufactured by Serum Institute of India) and Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech).
• January 16: India begins its nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program, prioritizing healthcare workers.
• Throughout January, daily new cases remain relatively low, leading to a sense of cautious optimism.

February 2021:

• The vaccination program expands to include frontline workers.
• Discussions begin regarding the possibility of expanding eligibility for vaccination to other vulnerable groups.
• Concerns start to emerge regarding the potential impact of new variants of the virus, particularly those detected in other countries.

March 2021:

• March 1: The vaccination program expands to include people over the age of 60 and those over 45 with specified comorbidities.
• A gradual increase in daily new cases is observed, especially in states like Maharashtra, Punjab, and Kerala. Concerns grow about a potential second wave.
• Restrictions and localized lockdowns are implemented in some regions to curb the rising cases.

April 2021:

• A dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases leads to the second wave sweeping across India. The healthcare system becomes overwhelmed, with shortages of hospital beds, oxygen, and essential medicines reported widely.
• April 19: The government announces that all adults over the age of 18 will be eligible for vaccination from May 1.
• Hospitals and crematoriums are stretched to their limits. Images and stories of the crisis gain international attention.
• The Supreme Court intervenes on several occasions to address the oxygen shortage and other critical issues.
• Various countries offer aid and assistance to India, including oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and other medical supplies.

May 2021:

• The second wave peaks, with daily new cases reaching record highs. The death toll also rises significantly.
• Vaccination efforts are intensified, but supply constraints and logistical challenges hamper the pace of the rollout.
• Black fungus (mucormycosis) cases increase among COVID-19 patients, adding to the healthcare burden.
• Lockdowns and restrictions are extended in most states to control the spread of the virus.
• The Covaxin vaccine receives emergency use listing from the World Health Organization (WHO).

June 2021:

• Daily new cases and the positivity rate begin to decline, indicating a possible easing of the second wave.
• Lockdown restrictions are gradually relaxed in some states as the situation improves.
• The government continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination and adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behavior.
• Concerns persist about the possibility of a third wave, particularly in the context of emerging variants.

July 2021:

• The decline in daily new cases continues, and many states ease restrictions further.
• Discussions intensify about the timing and logistics of reopening schools and other educational institutions.
• The government focuses on increasing vaccine production and procurement to accelerate the vaccination program.
• Reports emerge about the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) becoming the dominant strain in many parts of the country.

August 2021:

• Daily new cases remain relatively stable, but concerns about a potential third wave persist, especially with the upcoming festival season.
• The vaccination program gains momentum, with a greater number of people being vaccinated each day.
• Several states announce plans to reopen schools in a phased manner, with strict safety protocols in place.
• Debate continues regarding the need for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

September 2021:

• The number of daily new cases remains low compared to the peak of the second wave.
• Schools and colleges begin to reopen in several states.
• The government starts administering COVID-19 vaccines to children aged 12-17.
• Focus shifts towards preparing the healthcare system for a potential third wave and ensuring adequate supplies of essential medicines and oxygen.

October 2021:

• The COVID-19 situation remains under control, with low daily new cases and a declining positivity rate.
• The country celebrates festivals with relatively fewer restrictions compared to the previous year.
• Vaccination coverage continues to increase.
• Discussions continue regarding international travel and the recognition of vaccine certificates.

November 2021:

• The overall COVID-19 situation remains stable.
• The focus remains on increasing vaccination coverage and maintaining COVID-19 appropriate behavior.
• Concerns emerge globally about the Omicron variant, which is designated as a variant of concern by the WHO.

December 2021:

• The first cases of the Omicron variant are detected in India.
• The government issues advisories to states to ramp up testing, contact tracing, and surveillance.
• Preparations are made to administer booster doses to healthcare workers, frontline workers, and those over 60 with comorbidities, starting in January 2022.
• The end of the year is marked by renewed concerns about the potential impact of the Omicron variant on the country.