COVID-19 infection, and reinfection, and vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection among health care workers in the setting of omicron variant transmission in New Delhi, India.

Background: Surge of SARS CoV-2 infections ascribed to omicron variant began in December 2021 in New Delhi. We determined the infection and reinfection density in a cohort of health care workers (HCWs) along with vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic infection within omicron transmission period (considered from December 01, 2021 to February 25, 2022. Methods: This is an observational study from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Data were collected telephonically. Person-time at risk was counted from November 30, 2021 till date of infection/ reinfection, or date of interview. Comparison of clinical features and severity was done with previous pandemic periods. VE was estimated using test-negative case-control design [matched pairs (for age and sex)]. Vaccination status was compared and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were computed by conditional logistic regression. VE was estimated as (1-adjusted OR)X100-. Findings: 11474 HCWs participated in this study. The mean age was 36⋅2 (±10⋅7) years. Complete vaccination with two doses were reported by 9522 (83%) HCWs [8394 (88%) Covaxin and 1072 Covishield (11%)]. The incidence density of all infections and reinfection during the omicron transmission period was 34⋅8 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 33⋅5-36⋅2] and 45⋅6 [95% CI: 42⋅9-48⋅5] per 10000 person days respectively. The infection was milder as compared to previous periods. VE was 52⋅5% (95% CI: 3⋅9-76⋅5, p = 0⋅036) for those who were tested within 14-60 days of receiving second dose and beyond this period (61-180 days), modest effect was observed. Interpretation: Almost one-fifth of HCWs were infected with SARS CoV-2 during omicron transmission period, with predominant mild spectrum of COVID-19 disease. Waning effects of vaccine protection were noted with increase in time intervals since vaccination. Funding: None.

Linkages Between Trade Facilitation and Governance: Relevance for Post-COVID-19 Trade Strategy

The devastating effect of COVID-19 on the economy, health and the financial system is well known now. The pandemic has distorted trade as well. In such a situation, trade facilitation (TF) has emerged as an effective tool to mitigate the devastating effect of COVID-19 on trade. Several countries have initiated policy responses to take necessary steps towards TF measures. However, a relevant question arises: Are all these countries prepared for the effective and efficient implementation of the TF measures? This study attempts to answer this question by identifying the major institutional determinants of TF measures (mainly included in the World Trade Organization [WTO] Trade Facilitation Agreement) based on existing theories, such as the ?theory of institutions? and the ?political economy of trade policy? approach. It utilizes data of many countries for the years 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2019. The findings of this study suggest that the quality of governance has a significant positive impact on all TF measures. Moreover, the study finds that developing and small-sized countries are more responsive to the impact of an institutional factor on their TF performance than developed and large-sized countries. Therefore, it proposes measures to improve TF performance, which is crucial to minimize further disruptions in trade caused by COVID-19.