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AVOIDING THE THIRD WAVE

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 9/27/2021 1:53:06 PM

While it appeared as if the pandemic was about to vanish by itself as soon as India rolled out its vaccination drive across the whole country, primarily assumed upon the impressively low figures of daily COVID positive cases throughout the country, in a sharp and sceptic turn, it all changed in the blink of an eye. Despite a significant number achieved amidst the vaccination drive, the number of positive cases surged at almost a superficial rate, contrary to the lower numbers visible earlier this year. It has been more than a year since the first COVID infection reported in India, and we’ve witnessed two waves of infections in India since then. Though the disease was not been able to affect the Indian population as it did to the western ones during the first wave, the second wave of infections proved to be nothing short of lethal, fuelled by the shortage of medical oxygen across the country. Now that the reported cases have been somewhat under control when compared with the awful situation a few months back, major cities and metropolitans have started to open up in a hope to recover economically, financially as well as psychologically. Now that everything is opening up again, experts have already warned of the fear of a potential third wave. But the question arises, will there be a third wave? The possibility of a third wave points towards the possibility of potential lockdowns in the near future, which isn't a feasible option for the state or even the central government, and neither is it an affordable one. It drastically affects the economy of that region and the entire nation, as the majority of India’s economic activities are concentrated around its metropolitan cities, providing millions with a source of income to sustain or even survive on a day to day basis. The possibility of yet another lockdown can prove to be more lethal for such individuals, more than the infection itself. Vaccination is the only known way to avoid the third wave of infections. It is critical to vaccinate the majority of the country’s population at an even faster pace while avoiding any wastage of the precious dosages. It isn’t outside the realms of possibility for a nation like India, well known for its massive vaccination drives in the past. Following the COVID protocols, essentially wearing a mask and avoiding crowds is pivotal at this point in time to avoid any potential spread which may eventually create a situation similar to what India witnessed a few months back. We cannot afford another economic and medical crisis at this point in time. Get your vaccine dozes and ensure COVID protocols till this awful pandemic is declared over.