The numbers of coronavirus cases are again on the rise and the threat of possible third wave looms large. National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has stated the third wave of Covid-19 may peak around October.
Meanwhile, pediatric facilities and equipment, according to numerous media outlets, are nowhere near what will be required if a high number of children get infected with the deadly virus. According to a report by a leading Indian daily, the NIDM's report to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) mentions the urgent need for paediatric facilities, including doctors, staff, and equipment like ventilators and ambulances.
Vaccinating children with comorbidities and those with disabilities was also emphasised in the report. “The situation is already grave, and it is likely to get worse as a result of a lack of adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB), insufficient medical facilities, and lagging vaccination,” stated the report.
NIDM report quoted a Reuter's survey of 40 experts predicted that the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic would impact India between July 15 and October 13, 2021.
How third wave can be prevented?
By following the Covid appropriate behaviour the risk of third wave can be prevented. AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said, “Avoid stepping out of the house unless absolutely necessary. Whenever you step out of the house, wear a mask. Keep washing your hands with soap. After touching anything, definitely use sanitiser. Health is important now.”
He added that the Covid pandemic is not over yet and people need to be cautious.
Also Read: Zydus Cadila: The first Covid Vaccine for children above 12 got emergency apporval in India
Covid Tally
India reported 25,072 new COVID-19 cases and 389 daily fatalities in a single day. The total number of COVID-19 cases has reached 3,24,49,306. According to Union Health Ministry data, the death toll has risen to 4,34,756, with 389 daily fatalities.
The national COVID-19 recovery rate has risen to 97.63 percent, the highest since March 2020.
At least eight states have imposed lockdown-like restrictions. These include West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram, Goa, and Puducherry.
23 States impose partial lockdown
At least 23 states and union territories across the country have gone under partial lockdown.
Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar, Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat are among the states under partial lockdown.