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THIRD WAVE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS ON THE THRESHOLD

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 6/19/2021 12:09:40 PM

T K NANDANAN Close on the heels of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic raging across the country claiming more precious lives of people, Maharashtra has sounded alert for the third wave, and it is gearing up to face the third wave of theCovid-19 pandemic. The third wave of the Covid-19 might be unleashed in the state by a high virulent strain called‘Delta Plus’ in the next two to four weeks. The imminent outbreak of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused consternation among the states and union territories of the country. The main cause of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is uncontrollable crowds and the refusal by the people to follow Covid-19 norms coupled with the advent of Delta Plus variant, which might trigger a third wave of pandemic across the country. The most threatening aspect of this third wave of the pandemic is that it is going to affect the lower middle class of people who were not affected by the first and second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. It may be noted that Delta Plus variant was first detected in Europe in March this year and this new version is derived from its mutant variant Delta. However, it is not known whether the Delta Plus variant is more infectious or fatal compared to the Delta variant. Delta variant has been found to be deadlier and capable of causing more severe Covid-19 leading to higher rate of hospitalization of patients. It is pertinent to note that every successful mutation helps a virus or any other organisms thrive better. This is why Delta Plus variant of SARS-CoV-2 has become a worry for an anticipated third wave, which can be prevented or mitigated at least on the basis of lessons learnt from the past two waves of Covid-19 pandemic. But the only option to ward off this monster from infecting us is to follow Covid-19 protocol. Besides, RT-PCR test is to be increased, adequate medicines should be procured. Beds, oxygen and other medical facilities in hospitals are to be made available to meet the exigencies. Moreover, vaccination should be pursued aggressively. It is pertinent to note that the immediate cause to the alarming surge of coronavirus can be this Delta variant. Medical experts say that even if one has received both doses of Covaxin or Covishield vaccines against the Covid-19, he may still get infected with the virus. The ‘double mutant’ virus or the ‘Indian variant’ was officially assigned the name ‘Delta variant’ by the World Health Organisation in order to avoid any confusion regarding the same. It may be recalled that the first mutant virus detected in Kent, United Kingdom is now called ‘Alpha’, whereas the South African and Brazilian variant are known as ‘Beta’ and ‘Gamma’ respectively. Sadly, the Delta variant of coronavirus is present all over the country, but has infected people mostly in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha and Telangana. In light of the Delta variant’s omnipresence in the country, the government should take good and practical steps to fight the pandemic. Complete vaccination of the people of the country and maintaining Covid protocol by wearing mask and washing hands frequently with soap/sanitizer are the ideal prevention methods.