COVID-19 Third wave in India could be as severe as second: SBI Report

While the number of daily covid cases in the country have been on a decline for the past few weeks, experts are suggesting to be cautious about the possible third wave of Covid in the country. According to a SBI report, the third wave of covid could be as severe as the second wave and could last for an average duration of 98 days. The five page SBI report has pointed out that the average duration of the third wave for developed countries was 98 days as against 108 days in the second wave. With better preparations for the third wave, “the decline in serious case rate (patients that require oxygen, intensive care unit beds, etc) will lead to fewer deaths.”

The SBI report advises that a better health infrastructure and rigorous vaccination could lead to a decline in serious Covid cases from 20 per cent to five per cent during the third wave, subsequently reducing coronavirus-related deaths to 40,000 “as compared to current deaths of more than 1.7 lakh.”

Also Read: How to register online for COVID-19 vaccination

The report stressed on vaccinating children who could be the next vulnerable group during the Third wave.  “With around 150-170 million children in the 12-18 age bracket, India should go for an advanced procurement strategy like that adopted by developed nations to inoculate this age-group,” the report said. SBI report suggests that to avoid severity in the third wave vaccination should be the key priority and better health infrastructure and vaccination is the need of the hour. 

According to the Union Health Ministry, India reported 1,32,788 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. As per the data there has been a continuous decrease in daily cases since India reported a peak on May 7. 

Also Read: Tips for Healthy Eating Habits During COVID-19 Pandemic

(With PTI Inputs)