Delhi has reported more than 5,000 Covid cases two days in a row, making this the highest daily spike in the national capital so far. In an update on the situation in the city, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said, “Delhi might be facing the third wave of the coronavirus. But we must wait for another week as it is still too early to say.”
According to the experts, there can be various reasons for the spike in cases. “Winters and the festival season, which will lead to overcrowding, will play a role in increasing cases. Air pollution may cause it too,” said Dr Nikhil Modi, Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospital. “There have been an increasing number of respiratory problems among people and we are getting 20% more footfall,” he added.
Doctors in Delhi are saying that the sudden rise in cases is mainly due to the pollution level increasing. “Pollutants have an inflammatory effect on the lungs and so does Covid-19,” said Dr Dhiren Gupta, pulmonologist at SGRH.
However, some experts say that the reason could also be a rise in testing coupled with people not taking proper preventive measures. “This is not a wave. It is rising due to more testing and the fact that people are more relaxed with regard to wearing masks and keeping distance while talking,” said Dr Jagdish Prasad, former DGHS, MoHFW.