Bengaluru: “No evidence of a third wave to hit in October”, Top virologists

Bengaluru: Top virologists and domain experts have slammed the reports of a possible new surge of Covid-19 cases. They insist that there is no evidence a third wave will hit the country anytime soon.

Some theories have claimed that a third wave of the pandemic could hit the country by September or October, while some stakeholders have given the warning that it can also occur earlier.

Dr Randeep Guleria, chief of All India Institute of Medical Sciences said that the third wave eas inevitable and it could hit the country in even six to eight weeks. However, some top virologists suggested that there wouldn’t be another wave.

Dr Vijaya, virologist and retired IISc professor of microbiology said, “There is no scientific data or any technical basis to predict a fresh surge. However, what we need to be careful about is the possibility of the receding present wave getting aggravated by people throwing caution to the wind.”

Dr MK Sudarshan, chairman of state Covid-19 technical advisory committee (TAC), speaking of Karnataka, said that there are fewer chances of the third wave hitting the country any time before October.

Karnataka health minister K Sudhakar said, “The expectation of a third wave is still being discussed by experts. The government has formed a team to discuss the probability and to draw up a plan of action. The TAC, which is getting inputs for all sources, is yet to finalise its report.”

Noted virologist, Dr T Jacob John stated that there will be no third wave in the country unless a new variant of the coronavirus emerges. The present variant cannot create a sudden surge in cases.

He said, “Delta and Delta Plus variants are more or less the same with a slight variation. These variants are in the ebb. By the end of July, the pandemic will be converted into an endemic with lower infectivity before declining further. With an effective vaccination strategy, we can even get rid of Covid-19 this year.”

He stated that various surveys indicate that most Indians have contracted the infection. A lathe number of cases went unreported and natural immunity, coupled with widespread vaccine coverage would witness less spread of infection in future.

Karnataka has logged nearly 26.5 lakh discharges and the government is all set to vaccinate at least 80% of the population by October. According to the experts, this would neutralise a new surge.

Sudhakar said, “Irrespective of whether there will be a third wave or not, we are prepared with required infrastructure and manpower resources. It’s better to be well prepared than being caught off-guard.”