COVID-19 Third wave: "Next two month will be very crucial," warns BMC

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday, August 25, revealed that the third wave of coronavirus is imminent and could begin as early as next month, coinciding with the festive season. 

However, the officials noted that the third wave may not be as big as the second when the number of active COVID-19 cases had touched 91,000 in April.

A major factor contributing to a lower third wave would be the ongoing mass vaccination drive.

Moreover, BMC Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani said that though the third wave could be delayed, it is certain to hit Mumbai. There are a few reasons for this—the upcoming festive season, a receding monsoon season and reverse migration, he added.

Taking an example of the previous year, the official said that the cases had shot up after Ganeshotsav in September 2020 when, due to weather change, virus activity had increased too. 

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Lastly, BMC officials say unskilled workers who had left for their hometowns during the second wave restrictions would be returning to the city in huge numbers in the coming weeks.

According to reports, around 73 per cent of the city’s eligible population has taken the first dose while 25 per cent are fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, experts have stated that this number of those who have taken the first dose may reach 80 per cent soon (before the third wave). On the other hand, the number of those who will be vaccinated with both doses is also increasing.

The BMC plans to reserve certain days of the week to vaccinate those seeking the second dose to increase the percentage of fully vaccinated people. 

Officials said during the festive season in the country it is difficult to keep citizens away from socialising as it has been the tradition followed in the country.

Therefore, the festive season, from September to December, will be very crucial and to watch out for as far as the third wave is concerned, said a BMC official.

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