The second wave of Covid-19 is declining. The overall number of coronavirus cases is on a downward trajectory, although 100 cases continue to be added daily. At the same time, the virus threat continues to exist and is still lurking around. Experts have been repeatedly warning that the third wave may strike.
An expert panel, set up by an institute under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has predicted that the third wave of COVID-19 will hit India anytime between September and October.
The government and the experts have been repeatedly warning against lowering the guard in the fight against the pandemic. Some experts warn that the third wave could be highly dangerous, fatal and “can take a heavy toll of lives.”
Amid a decrease in the number of positive cases with each passing day and less number of admission of Covid patients in hospitals, the expert said the effect of the second wave of COVID-19 has diminished to a large extent. However, lowering of guard against Covid by the masses can pose a serious threat and lay the base for predicted third wave.
One should never lose sight of the ferocious second wave, which devastated lives and livelihood in April and May which was characterised by the very visible scenario of hospitals being overrun, and the sick gasping for a very basic necessity of medical oxygen and a spike in excess deaths. In fact, May proved deadly in terms of fatalities with 1625 Covid-19 deaths, accounting for around 40% of the total toll since the start of the pandemic in March last year, and 114359 cases were added to the overall tally. The situation has started to get better since and continues to be so as the time progresses. However, all aspects, including minute ones, need to be worked out in a better manner.
Vaccination pace must be increased. It should not be forgotten that the purpose of the existing vaccines is to prevent hospitalisation and mortality. The evidence available at present suggests that vaccine coverage played a role in keeping hospitalisation in most States to manageable levels as well as allowing normalisation of economic activity.
There is a need for strict compliance to wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, besides frequent washing of hands with soap. Rather, as experts stress time and again, it must become a way of life. Otherwise, another catastrophe may occur with more ferocity and that too sooner than later.
