COVID-19 Third Wave Inevitable Say Indian Medical Association (IMA)

With the global evidence available and the history of any pandemic, the third wave is inevitable and imminent, the Indian medical association said in a press release said on July 12. The top doctors' body also warned the state governments against allowing potential "super-spreader" events.

Choked roads, unprecedented traffic jams, mid-way hold-ups on the National Highways and parking lots brimming with tourists vehicles summed up the scene post-Covid regulations relaxation in Himachal Pradesh. Bored of life in closed quarters, violations of safety norms have been reported in a number of tourism-centric states due to the influx of visitors.

IMA specifically marked its concern over tourism activities, pilgrimages and other forms of mass congregations which have been permitted in a number of states amid the declining corona virus second wave.

"Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervor all are needed, but can wait for a few more months. Opening up these rituals and enabling people without vaccination to go scot-free in these mass gatherings are potential super spreaders for the COVID third wave," it added.

Only an increase in vaccination coverage, along with strict adherence to the COVID-appropriate behavior for "minimum three months" can contain the impact of a potential third wave.

Moreover, IMA pointed out that the onset of a brutal third wave would consume any economic gains that would be made for now by relaxing the COVID-related rules.

"The consequences of treating a patient with COVID in hospital and its impacts on the economy will be much better than the economic loss we suffer from avoiding such mass gathering," it added.

With Kerala and Maharashtra reporting a steep rise in daily cases and daily national cases still considerable, new variants are coming up, there is a shortage in vaccination showing that matters of concern for India are far from over. India on Monday reported 37,154 cases and 724 deaths.

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