Covid third wave inevitable: IMA raises alarm over reopening of tourism, religious pilgrimage
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, Jul 12, 2021: With the threat of a third wave of Covid-19 looming large, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced concern over mass gatherings across the country. India has been witnessing a drop in new confirmed cases but experts have warned that lowering the guard could allow a resurgence of the virus.
The IMA has urged central and state governments to strictly enforce Covid-appropriate behaviour for a minimum of another three months. "Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervour all are needed, but can wait for few more months," the body said.
In a letter on Monday, the IMA urged the central and state governments not to let their guard down against Covid-19. The letter was signed by IMA president Dr JA Jayalal and secretary general Dr Jayesh Lele.
The country is only just walking out of the disastrous second wave of the Covid pandemic, the letter reads. It goes on to say, "With the global evidence available and the history of any pandemics the third wave is inevitable and imminent."
India can mitigate the impact of the third wave by making efforts by administering vaccines and adhering to Covid-appropriate behavior, the IMA wrote.
The letter further adds, "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 government and public are complacent and engaged in mass gatherings without following Covid protocols."
In addition, the IMA also stated that opening up tourism or religious pilgrimage and allowing unvaccinated people to go scot free in these mass gatherings are "potential super spreaders’ for the third wave of Covid-19 infections.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), there are 4,50,899 in India as of July 12.
Meanwhile, a total of 37 crore doses of Covid vaccines have been administered across the country to date.
Courtesy:India Today