The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that the predictions about a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic should be taken seriously as it warned that the gains made so far will come to a naught if people continue to violate Covid-appropriate behaviour. The comments by Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal came amid reports of thousands of people flocking to hill stations and flouting Covid-19 norms
Addressing news briefing, Agarwal said that people were taking third wave warnings very lightly, which is a serious issue. “We would like to request to everyone—when we talk about the third wave (of Covid), we are taking it as if it is a weather update and not understanding its seriousness and our responsibilities associated with it,” he said.
The scathing remarks from the Joint Health Secretary came after videos of tourists thronging hill stations and religious places went viral on social and mainstream media. Agarwal, added that people have failed to understand that adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior will determine fate of any future waves of the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, informing that many countries around the world are witnessing the third wave, the Health Ministry cautioned the citizens to ensure that it does not hit India. “The world is witnessing third wave (of Covid-19)… We›ve to join hands to ensure that the third wave doesn›t hit India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (Tuesday) clearly said that we should focus on keeping the third wave at bay, instead of discussing when it would come in India,” said Dr V.K. Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog, at the press conference in the national capital.
Prime Minister Modi too strongly cautioned against crowding at hill stations without observing proper precautions. In an interaction with Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states, which are witnessing surge in Covid cases, PM Modi rejected the argument that people want to enjoy before the arrival of the third wave.
“We need to understand that the third wave will not come on its own. Therefore, the main question in our minds should be how to prevent the third wave. Experts are repeatedly warning against carelessness and crowding as they can lead to massive surge in cases,” the PM said as he strongly advocated preventing avoidable crowding.
Meanwhile, India reported 31,443 new cases on Tuesday, lowest in 118 days, bringing some relief for the government even as vaccination numbers remained below expectations. Although India’s cumulative Covid vaccination coverage exceeded 38.50 crore (38,50,19,469), as per the 7 pm provisional report on Tuesday, only 34.10 lakh (34,10,974) vaccine doses were administered on Tuesday.
Earlier, terming third wave ‘inevitable’ and ‘imminent,’ the Indian Medical Association (IMA) ‘noted painfully’ that the government itself was complacent and engaged in mass gatherings without following Covid-19 protocols. “Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervour, all are needed but can wait for a few months. Opening up these rituals and enabling people without vaccination to go scot-free in these gatherings are potential super spreaders for the third wave,” the IMA said in a statement.