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Maharashtra COVID-19 Task Force Says Third Wave May Arrive Within 2-4 Weeks


Maharashtra COVID-19 Task Force Says Third Wave May Arrive Within 2-4 Weeks
SHARES

As the second wave of the coronavirus begins to subside, the Maharashtra COVID Task Force has cautioned about the dangers of a third wave in the state. The task force has predicted that the third wave could reach the country within the next two to four weeks based on the crowding witnessed over the past three days. 

Despite previous indications that a third wave may impact children more, the task force said that people in lower-middle-class households who have evaded the virus so far may be at a higher risk than children.

The experts shared these details during a third wave preparedness review meeting headed by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on June 16. In addition to the task force members and the CM, the meeting also included a few senior bureaucrats and the State Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, Rajesh Tope.

As per the data provided during the meeting, the overall number of cases during the third wave could be double the number seen during the second wave. Experts further predicted active cases to touch 8 lakh during the third wave. 

“The UK is facing a third wave within four weeks of ebbing of the second wave. We could be in the same situation if we don’t stay vigilant and practise Covid-appropriate behaviour,” a member of the State COVID Task Force, Dr Shashank Joshi said.

“We believe children won’t be the target of the next wave. They may not make up for more than 3.5% of the patient pool—like it happened in the first two waves,” he added.

ReadCM Thackeray: Cannot Let Guard Down; Prepare For COVID-19 Third Wave

The fact that some citizens continue to disregard public health measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and so on, is also concerning to the state officials. 

“Uncontrolled crowds and disregard for Covid norms like wearing of masks and avoiding non-essential movement are worrisome. Even in Mumbai, with certain time restrictions in place, there is free movement throughout the day,” a state official said. 

This official added that the decline of cases, as well as the reopening of districts, has led to a decrease in testing, adding that this may leave several cases undetected.

As for the most vulnerable populations, people who haven’t been infected with COVID-19 until now may be at a higher risk. “It will not be the middle- or upper-middle-classes but the lower middle class who either missed the virus in the first two waves or have highly depleted levels of antibodies that will be hit hard,” the official added.

CM Thackeray told his officials to scale up the infrastructure necessary to combat COVID and also ensure an adequate supply of testing kits, oxygen, as well as medicines to fight off the virus.

The task force also recommended a significant improvement in vaccinations across the state. Thackeray responded to this by saying that India will receive 42 crore vaccine doses by August or September this year, adding that Maharashtra will also benefit from this.

Also readDharavi Reports Zero COVID-19 Cases On Monday, A First Since Second Wave

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