Monday Post

For the last few months, we are hearing about the possibility of 3^rd wave of the Covid pandemic.

Is India prepared for the third wave of coronavirus infections? The answer is NO! Despite repeated calls by health experts, a report by a panel formed by the Union Health Ministry has exposed the acute lacunae in the preparation for the third wave. The report by the experts of the National Institute of Disaster Management says that across India, the level of preparation is abysmally low.

Especially, in regards to the facilities focused on children, the report notes that the local officials have not done enough. The report also talks about poor infra for pediatrics. The key document, which has been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office, also says that the third wave of the coronavirus will peak in October.

As the threat of a possible third wave looms large, Directors of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across the country have asked people to continue following Covid appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible spike in the daily caseload. “Avoid stepping out of the house unless absolutely necessary. Whenever you step out of the house, wear a mask. Keep washing your hands with soap. After touching anything, definitely use sanitiser. Health is important now”, as the festive season is approaching.  He asserted that the Covid pandemic is not over yet and people need to be more cautious.

AIIMS, Rae Bareli, Director said that if people strictly follow Covid-compliant behaviour, then surely a new Covid wave can be prevented. “People will have to follow Covid compliant behavior, wear masks properly, keep cleaning or sanitising hands continuously, avoid going to crowded places, and follow social distance to prevent the third wave.” The govt is trying to make the vaccine accessible to all equally, he added.

A  renowned Pulmonologist (a physician who  specialises in the respiratory system) has also asserted that we might not see the 3^rd wave of coronavirus but it largely depends on following covid norms. In his opinion, 3^rd wave may not be as bad as 2^nd wave. One other director of AIIMS stated that all should ensure that the treatment guidelines issued by govt are strictly followed. There is a need to contact influential people of the community in Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, and villages to educate people about the severity of the disease, various preventive measures, and the importance of vaccination. The local bodies should also lay emphasis on infrastructure at the local level to reduce future calamities.

Another director of AIIMS, said that the second wave of Covid was very serious and had affected many states badly. Rural India was also not untouched, he noted. “In fact, there was not much difference between urban and rural areas in terms of infection. The infection spread from city to village, from small place to big town and from city to village in places where restrictions were not being strictly followed even after the lockdown was imposed.”

He added that the people are now becoming aware of the infection, but they have to include Covid-appropriate behaviour in their regular routine. “If we want to control the epidemic, we have to follow Covid compliant behaviour… that is our social responsibility,” he said.

Can Vaccination avert the 3^rd wave?

As per AIIMS, following Covid compliant behaviour will not only stop the chain of infection but also help reduce the economic burden on the govt on the entire population due to vaccination. The 3^rd wave of Covid can be avoided only if the vaccine is being administrated on a large scale and even after getting the vaccine Covid –compliant behaviours have to be followed.

On paper, it looks alright to say do not venture out unless it is necessary, but in reality, it becomes very difficult because many people had to venture out as they have to earn their living. As their job profiles require them to venture, the nature of the job they are performing can not be done by working from home.

In some states the situation is still very grim, as  they are still fighting with the 2^nd wave and, if the 3^rd wave hit these states in the near future, then it will lead to complete disaster.

So we have to wait and watch for the developments.

Waiting for your views and comments.

Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

23^rd August 2021