It is also important to note that WHO experts warn about a ‘strong likelihood of the emergence and transmission of new, possibly more dangerous COVID variants.
‘COVID-19 third wave would hit all parts of the country. However, it would be less severe than the second wave.’
Dr. Samiran Panda, the head of epidemiology and infectious diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research, said, “There would be a nationwide third wave, but that does not mean that it would be as high or as intense as the second wave.”
Dr. Panda also listed out four significant instances that could lead to the third wave of COVID-19 such as,
An instance where the immunity acquired in the first and second wave drops
A second instance where there could be a variant that can bypass the immunity acquired
Another instance where the new variant may not be able to bypass immunity but can spread fast among people
And the final instance when the restrictions are lifted prematurely by states
Earlier this week, the Indian Medical Association said that the Covid-19 third wave is “inevitable and imminent. It also added, “It is painful to note that in this crucial time, when everyone needs to work for the mitigation of the third wave, in many parts of the country, both governments and the public are complacent and engaged in mass gatherings without following Covid protocols.”
Source: Medindia
