’Third wave will come when we invite it’: PM Modi on mask-less tourists, crowded markets

Mangalore Today News Network / News18

New Delhi, Jul 13, 2021: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called out mask-less tourists flocking to hill stations in huge numbers and those crowding markets, saying the third wave of coronavirus would hit the country “when we invite it”.

 

PM Modi, who was meeting chief ministers of the Northeast states amid concerns of rising Covid-19 cases, said: “It is true that tourism and business have been greatly affected due to coronavirus. But today, I will say very emphatically, that it is not okay to have huge crowds in hill stations, markets without wearing masks.”

The prime minister added that “this is not the time to enjoy” as he warned against mutating variant of the virus which has wreaked havoc across the globe.

The statement comes amid countless pictures and videos of tourists enjoying at hill stations such as Manali, Nainital — most without masks and not following social distancing. The pictures sparked fears of an imminent third wave in the country which battled a brutal second wave that left several dead and many gasping for facilities such as oxygen supply and hospital beds.