Third wave likely to hit the country in six to eight weeks if Covid norms are violated

Bengaluru: AIIMS director Randeep Guleria warned that the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic will be hit in six to eight weeks if people do not follow Covid appropriate behaviour. There have been reports of widespread violation of Covid norms in many parts of the country.

Many epidemiologists have said that a third wave is inevitable but it is likely to occur in September-October.

Guleria said, “If Covid-appropriate behaviour is not followed, the third wave can happen in six to eight weeks. We need to work aggressively to prevent another large wave till vaccination kicks in.”

He said that there is an urgent for stricter surveillance and area-specific lockdowns in some areas. He added, “However, a national-level lockdown cannot be a solution (to rein in the pandemic) keeping economic activity in mind.”

Guleria made the statement just after the Delhi High Court observed the violation of Covid norms in markets in the national capital as the restrictions were eased.

Observing certain photos of the violation of Covid protocols by street vendors in markets, a vacation bench of justices Navin Chawla and Asha Menon directed the centre and the Delhi government to submit a status report of the situation. Delhi HC stated that a third wave cannot be permitted at all.

The bench had observed, “We have paid a huge price in the second wave. We don’t know if there is any household which has not suffered in the second wave, closely or remotely.”

The court had also directed authorities to take strict action against the violators, to sensitise the street vendors and conduct meetings with shopkeepers, and vendors associations regarding this matter.

Earlier, the Centre had stated that violations have been prevalent since the relaxations of the restrictions and hence, it is extremely important to follow a five-fold strategy of Covid appropriate behaviour, test-track-treat and vaccination to contain the spread of the virus. Union Jome Secretary, Ajay Bhalla, in a letter to all states and union territories has appealed to speed up the vaccination process as getting vaccinated is critical to break the chain.

Bhalla also said even though the opening of activities after the fall of Covid cases is important, States and union territories must ensure that the whole process is “carefully calibrated”.

He added, “However, easing of restrictions in some states have led to the resumption of crowding of people in markets etc., without adherence to the norms of Covid-appropriate behaviour.”

India’s total tally increased to 2,98,23,546 as 60,753 new Covid cases are being reported in a day. The number of active cases stands at 7,60,019 which the lowest in 74 days.

The death toll rose to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh deaths. Active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total cases. Furthermore, the national Covid recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent.

Guleria urged people not to violate the Covid norms. He also mentioned that any sudden surge in cases and an increase in the positivity rate beyond 5% would lead to area-specific lockdown and containment measures.

He also said that till now there has been no evidence that children will be affected by the possible third wave.