Third wave of Covid is likely to hit the state by October

Bengaluru: Even though the state is struggling with the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, an analysis by the Technical Advisory Committee stated that Karnataka may face a third wave in October-November 2021. The second wave is likely to flatten by July after reaching the peak in May and may recur by October 2021.

TAC chief, MK Sudarshan says that during the third wave, the younger generations will be affected the most as they will be unvaccinated. He said, “Fully vaccinated senior citizens would be safe by then. Those below 18 years would be most vulnerable.”

Dr CN Manjunath, head of Covid-19 expert committee and nodal officer for Covid testing in the state said, “After each wave flattens, we have seen a resurgence in other countries too. It will take 90-120 days after the wave flattens for the virus resurgence.”

Other European countries’ experience indicates that a third eave will certainly be there and preparations must be taken to handle it. Experts say that apart from vaccination, Covid-appropriate behaviour should be given utmost importance.

Dr Manjunath is of the view that all precautionary measures, restrictions on rallies, gatherings, religious events, local body elections and fairs must be continued till December 2021. He said, “The severity will be more in unvaccinated persons. The need is to speed up vaccination.”

As Dr Sudarshan said that children would be more vulnerable, Manjunath agrees to the same. He said, “There are trails of Pfizer vaccines on children. By then, we may get vaccines for children too.”

Dr KR Bharat Kumar Reddy, paediatric pulmonologist and director of Shishuka Children’s Speciality Hospital is also of the view that children will be vulnerable due to lack of vaccination. He said, “However, the virus transmission chain may break as adults at home would be vaccinated and they may not spread to kids. Currently, in most cases, adults are transmitting to children who are not going to schools.”

Experts said that even if people between 18-44 years of age are not vaccinated by October, an increased number of cases will be seen among them too.