The Maharashtra health department has warned that the state could see double the number of active cases in a possible third wave of the novel coronavirus if appropriate behaviour is not followed.
The coronavirus’ new variant, Delta Plus, could stoke a third wave in Maharashtra. It could also spread at the double rate, said an official. The task force members also warned that Maharashtra could enter the third wave before coming out of the second if COVID-19 protocols aren’t followed.
The caution came at a preparedness meeting that CM Uddhav Thackeray led on Wednesday, June 16.
Following this, an alarmed Thackeray told the state machinery to plug the gaps that surfaced previously. He expressed concern over the violation of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and its dangers. Moreover, an increase in crowd capacity in public places will be an invitation for the third wave, he said.
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The second wave is flattening and considering the experience, he directed health agencies to maintain adequate stock of medicines and equipment such as beds and oxygen available in the state with a focus on rural areas. By August-September, the country will get 42 crore vaccines and that should accelerate our vaccination drive, he said.
The Covid Task Force told the CM to conduct a Sero survey across the state and accelerate vaccination and, in addition, it wanted the curbs to be followed religiously.
The first wave’s (19 lakh cases) doubling period was much less than the second wave (40 lakh cases). The active cases in the third wave could be about eight lakh, 10 per cent of which could be children, said the department during a presentation.
Also Read: COVID-19 ‘Delta Plus’ Variant: What Are the Experts Saying?
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