India (MNN) — India identifies a new threat just as the country reaches its lowest rate of new COVID-19 cases in three months. Infections linked to the “delta-plus” strain emerged recently in three states, raising the mutation to “Variant of Concern” status.
First discovered in Europe earlier this year, scientists have observed the new strain in at least 11 countries since then. Some fear the delta-plus variant will trigger India’s third massive wave of infections if not contained.
“It certainly has been a challenging situation. We do have a variant of the virus that is much more contagious than what had been going around in the U.S.,” John Pudaite of Bibles For The World says.
India is second only to the United States in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
“The body of Christ has lost a lot of its soldiers — pastors, evangelists, missionaries — and those trying to serve the people through this pandemic,” Pudaite says.
“We just ask that listeners [and readers] continue to pray for our people to be strong and that God will protect us against this dreaded virus.”
Authorities had started to ease pandemic restrictions earlier this month because new cases were dropping in India’s metropolitans. However, remote communities – like the ones where Bibles For The World works – are still at risk.
“We’re about six weeks to two months behind the rest of India because it takes that long to travel into these remote regions,” Pudaite says.
“We’ve seen a spike in cases in our state. We’ve had a number of our hospital staff come down with COVID; one of our seminary librarians tested positive.”
Ask the Lord to comfort and encourage believers throughout India. Pray God will protect Gospel workers throughout the nation.
In the header image, a laboratory worker takes a swab test for COVID-19. (Photo courtesy of Mufid Majnun/Unsplash)
