Mass gatherings can act as ‘super spreaders’ for a third wave of Covid-19 infections, the IMA has said in a letter to central and state governments.
HIGHLIGHTS
- With global evidence available, third wave is inevitable: IMA
- The country has 4.5 lakh active cases of Covid-19 as of Monday (July 12)
- IMA says impact of third wave can be mitigated by Covid-appropriate behavior
New DelhiJuly 12, 2021. With the threat of a third wave of Covid-19 looming large, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced concern over mass gatherings across the country. India has been witnessing a drop in new confirmed cases but experts have warned that lowering the guard could allow a resurgence of the virus.
The IMA has urged central and state governments to strictly enforce Covid-appropriate behaviour for a minimum of another three months. “Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervour all are needed, but can wait for few more months,” the body said.
In a letter on Monday, the IMA urged the central and state governments not to let their guard down against Covid-19. The letter was signed by IMA president Dr JA Jayalal and secretary general Dr Jayesh Lele.
The country is only just walking out of the disastrous second wave of the Covid pandemic, the letter reads. It goes on to say, “With the global evidence available and the history of any pandemics the third wave is inevitable and imminent.”India can mitigate the impact of the third wave by making efforts by administering vaccines and adhering to Covid-appropriate behavior, the IMA wrote.
