2023 is witnessing an increase in COVID 19 cases in some parts of the World including USA, India, France, Germany, Brazil and Japan. Due to past experiences and better drugs and vaccines, people and countries are now better prepared to deal with the surges.

Preparedness needs to be done at country, state and individual level. New vaccines and drugs need to be rolled out. Pharmaceutical companies need to keep adequate stock of the vaccines and drugs. Hospitals need to keep fixed number of beds including ventilator beds aside for COVID 19 cases. Testing including RT-PCR, Rapid tests, immunity tests, CT scans and other tests to become better available. The medical facilities should be cheap and easily available to combat another COVID wave. Individuals need to take the basic precautionary measures including masks, social distancing and vaccination.

Some governments are revising their COVID 19 travel advisory for international travelers. Travelers are being advised to be fully vaccinated, wear masks, keep physical distance from other travelers and isolate in aircraft if having any COVID symptom. On arrival at destination, thermal screening of all passengers should be done and symptomatic passengers should be isolated. Random testing of some passengers has to be done and those tested positive should be isolated under medical supervision.

Teleconsultation has emerged as a boon in the face of epidemic. More and more doctors and other health professionals are becoming available for teleconsultation especially for minor issues like common cold, cases related to the epidemic and refill of medicine for chronic health issues. All are advised to self-monitor their health and take adequate medical advice if symptomatic.