Spreading at a very high speed, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure in several states, urgently requires an extraordinary response to contain the virus, feel the leading doctors, dealing with the health crisis in the country. "One robust way to respond to this new variant of virus is to quickly go for a restrictive lockdown," said Naresh Trehan, top cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon.

"The way Maharashtra had taken a decision, the other states too should make a fast move... because time is precious." Regarding the magnitude of the situation which is getting worse and worse, Trehan, chairman of the Medanta hospital chain in India, said that the different new strains of virus have spread at a double speed and caught the medical fraternity by surprise.