Signs of third Covid wave already being seen in parts of the world, warns Centre

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jul 13, 2021: Signs of the third wave of Covid-19 infections are already being seen in parts of the world, NITI Aayog (health) member Dr VK Paul said on Tuesday. He added that as many as 3.9 lakh new confirmed cases are being reported from across the globe each day.

 

Addressing the health ministry’s routine press conference on Covid, Dr Paul said that nearly nine lakh new cases of infection were being reported globally during the second wave earlier this year. Dr Paul is chairman of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC).

"Earlier today, PM Modi clearly said that we should focus on keeping the third wave at bay, instead of discussing when it would strike India. The Prime Minister stated that carelessness at this stage can lead to a massive jump in cases," said Dr VK Paul.

Addressing the same press conference on Tuesday, Joint Secretary (MoHFW) Lav Agarwal said average daily new cases declined from 3,87,029 between May 5 and May 11 to 40,841 cases between July 7 and July 13.

The government has taken note of gross violations of Covid-appropriate behaviour in parts of the country, added Agarwal.

Vaccine shortage, medical waste

Asked about reports of vaccine shortages in parts of the country, Dr Paul told reporters that the situation is "dynamic". Everything is happening in coordination with state governments, he said.

Dr Paul also responded to questions about improper disposal of medical waste. He said, "As far as the medical waste issue is concerned, all SoP [standard operating procedures] are set and any negligence could be threatening. State governments need to take an appropriate call on that."

"I would like to say again that this is not a 100 metre race but a long race. Things are going in the right direction," said Dr Paul.

Reasons Indians give for not wearing face masks

Lav Agarwal cited recent surveys to identify prominent reasons why Indians avoid wearing a face mask.

"Some said they do not wear masks because they experience difficulty breathing after wearing a mask. Others said they wear masks for some time and then hang it on the side of the face or on the chin because they feel uncomfortable," said Lav Agarwal.Adding to the reasons Indians give to avoid wearing masks, Agarwal quoted surveys to say, "There are people who say that they keep a social distance and feel no need to wear a mask. Some even go to the extent of saying that masks do not help in prevention of Covid-19."

Courtesy:India Today