As we put these pages to bed, over 3,000 new coronavirus cases have been reported across the country in the last 24 hours, marking an increase of over 45 percent in the number of new cases compared to just a day earlier. This is a worrying trend, all the more so because since this is the first time since September 2021 that the number of new cases has surpassed 3,000.

The emergence and the gradual spread of the Omicron variant in the country raises concern, especially with the drastic increase in the number of reported cases. The government has advised caution, and continues to ask people to get vaccinated and practice precautionary measures. Health experts warn that the coming weeks may witness a high surge and advise strict adherence with non-pharmaceutical interventions (hand washing, masks, physical distancing, etc.) to avoid the greater spread of the virus.

But we have been here before.

It appears redundant to recount the number of times we went through the same drill over the last two years. From strict to smart lockdowns; from online schooling and work from home regimes to burdening of public healthcare systems and mental stress due to an unrelenting virus – we have seen it all. Though those who are inquisitive enough continue to ask: what have we learned so far?

This week, our Special Report looks at the lessons, the obvious and the not-so-obvious, from our Covid experience as we step into an era of newer, and perhaps even more infectious, variants. As we await further information about the Omicron variant, we can perhaps take heart from the fact that much of this isn’t new. And for all that is, we hope our experiences and lessons from the Covid-era can help steer us in the right direction.

But for that, we need to acknowledge the challenge we continue to be faced with. Stay safe.