COVID-19 Third Wave likely to hit by August end with 1 lakh cases being reported daily, says top ICMR scientist

With restrictions easing up in many states and tourists flocking to hill stations, it might feel like the worst is behind us. However, Professor Samiran Panda, a senior scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) warns that the third wave of COVID-19 will hit India around August-end, where the country will see almost 1 lakh cases every single day.

Addressing the severity of the third wave, Professor Panda says that if the virus doesn’t further mutate, then the situation will be similar to the first wave, reported India Today. But if it does mutate, then things could be worse.

Professor Panda is head of the division of epidemiology and communicable diseases at the ICMR.

Also Read | COVID-19 | IMA says third wave ‘inevitable, imminent’, warns against ‘super-spreader’ events

Panda explains that while the third wave might not be as devasting as the second wave India witnessed, a low vaccination rate and easing of restrictions will lead to a surge in cases. This has been deduced by mathematical modelling done by ICMR along with the Imperial College London

“Looking at the present situation, one can assume that there will be the third wave,” Professor Panda told India Today TV. He further added that non-pharmacological interventions, like avoiding mass gatherings and wearing masks will help contain the spread of the infection.

Regarding India’s vaccination pace, Professor Panda agreed that the country needs a smart vaccination plan and reiterated that travel should be avoided as much as possible, as that leads to changes in population density.