| (The Editor's Pick is a new newsletter from The Hindu that provides a snapshot of the most important stories from today's edition of our newspaper, along with a note from our top editors on why we chose to give prominence to these stories.) The Central govt has indicated that 25 crore Indians will be given a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine by July, 2021. This will include mainly frontline health workers in the government and private sectors. States will be asked to draw up a list of beneficiaries and the vaccine procurement and distribution will be organised and monitored by the Centre. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stated that plans are being finalised to procure 400-500 million (40-50 crore) doses of vaccines by next July. There are currently three vaccines being tested in India, and only one -- Covishield being tested by SII -- has reached the crucial phase 3. SII has committed to manufacturing 200 million (20 crore) doses of the vaccine in 2021, of which only a portion will be for India. The procurement plan for the rest of the doses is yet to be clear. Meanwhile, the fall in number of positive cases per day even with a higher number of tests, indicate that India is past the peak of the pandemic. Citing this as a factor, the Finance Ministry has highlighted that economic activity is picking up. However, as The Hindu's editorial today points out, until a vaccine is in the public sphere, the government should ensure that there is no let up on preventive measures. What makes the government's announcement of the vaccination schedule important is that it not only indicates a possible tail end to the coronavirus saga, but also the period during which preventive efforts will have to be sustained at high levels. | 
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