After Delhi, will Maharashtra see a second wave of COVID-19?

Hinting at the possibility of second COVID-19 wave in January and February, Maharashtra government has issued an advisory for local bodies and district administrators in the state.

India reported 47,905 new cases in the last 24 hours, with the death toll from the virus reaching 1,28,121. Globally, over 50 million have been infected by the coronavirus. On Wednesday, for the first time, more than 8,000 patients were found in Delhi.

As per the Delhi government, the increasing numbers are because of the second wave of coronavirus in the city. This has alerted the entire country regarding this wave. Diwali and subsequent cold days are said to be extremely important in terms of coronavirus outbreak.

Coming back to Maharashtra, as per a circular at present, the number of coronavirus cases have come down in the state. However, it said, looking at the examples of European countries, there is a possibility of second COVID-19 wave in Maharashtra during January and February.

At present, the European countries are battling the second wave of coronavirus infections. Countries like the UK, Germany, France has also imposed partial lockdowns to control the increasing COVID-19 cases.

It has also asked to maintain the testing standards as per the guidelines of ICMR and continuous monitoring of influenza-like illnesses.

The suggested measures also include special monitoring of potential super spreaders like shopkeepers, vegetable vendors, hotel owners, waiters, delivery personnel, house helps, transport personnel, daily wage workers, security guards, government servants like police, home guard among others.

The nuisance of firecrackers for COVID-19 patients and those who have breathing problems, it has also asked to celebrate cracker free Diwali this year. In addition to this, other precautions such as using masks, social distancing and avoiding smoking at public places among others.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Wednesday reported 4,907 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the total count of infections to 17,31,833 as per state health department. With 125 more patients succumbing to the viral infection the death toll mounted to 45,560. A total of 9,164 patients were discharged during the day, taking the tally of recoveries to 15,97,255. The state now has 88,070 active cases. However, the recovery rate has now increased to 92.23 per cent, while the COVID fatality rate is still constant at 2.62 per cent over the last three months.