The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday warned of the third wave of Covid-19 and said it is “imminent.” With the vaccination drive running across the nation and partial lifting of lockdown in several cities, a flux of people have visited tourist destinations causing a worrisome situation for the government.
The apex doctor’s body on July 12 has said that the third wave of coronavirus is around the corner. It has further suggested the GoI not show complacency in easing the restrictions amid the fears of another wave of contagious disease. IMA has further expressed pain over the leniency given by the authorities and the public in various parts of India amid the tough times of pandemic.
Lauding the efforts of the modern medical fraternity and political leadership to combat the second wave of Covid-19 wreaked havoc in the nation, IMA warned of the next wave.
"With the global evidence available and the history of any pandemics, the third wave is inevitable and imminent...However, it is painful to note...in many parts of the country both the government and public are complacent and engaged in mass gatherings without following Covid protocols," an IMA press release said today.
"Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervor are all needed but can wait for a few more months. Opening up these rituals and enabling people without vaccination to go scot-free in these mass gatherings are potential super spreaders for the Covid third wave," it said.
It further added, “the consequences of treating a Covid patient and its impact on the economy will be much better than the economic loss suffered by avoiding such mass gatherings.”
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According to IMA’s experience of handling the previous two waves, the impact of the third wave of coronavirus can be reduced by ensuring universal vaccination and following Covid-19 appropriate behavior.
Dr. Johnrose Austin Jayalal, President of IMA has also released a separate video message reiterating the IMA's views on the Covid preparedness across the country. In the message, he has appealed to all state governments to translate the "vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi" of a unified battle against the pandemic and control all mass gatherings.
"At this crucial juncture, in the next two-to-three months...let us not take any chances," he said.