The third wave of COVID-19 may last for 98 days, vaccination should be a key priority: SBI report
According to the latest report released by the State Bank of India (SBI), the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India could be as severe as the second wave.
As per the report, the average duration of the third wave for top countries is 98 days and that of the second wave is 108 days, with the third-wave peak as a multiple of second at 1.8 and the second wave as a multiple of first at 5.2 (for India it was at 4.2).
“International experience thus suggests that the intensity of the third wave is as severe as that of the second wave. However, it has also been observed that in the third wave if we are better prepared, the fall in the severe case rate will reduce the number of deaths. We find that if severe cases in the third wave drop from 20% to 5% (due to better health infrastructure and stricter immunization), the number of deaths in the third wave is significantly lower compared to the current death toll of over 1.7 lakh. It could be 40,000. SBI report said.
SBI has highlighted the importance of vaccination to tackle the crisis, especially young children, who according to the bank are going to be the next vulnerable group.
“So vaccination should be a major priority, especially for children who may be the next vulnerable group. With around 15-17 crore children in the 12-18 age group, India should go for the advanced procurement strategy adopted by the developed countries. To vaccinate this age group,” SBI said.
Hospitals across Delhi have started improving infrastructure to ensure the availability of essential equipment, medicines, and ICU beds for children as part of their plan to tackle a possible third wave of coronavirus.
The Delhi government has constituted a task force to suggest measures to protect children from the third wave. Most hospitals are focusing on increasing their ICU beds and facilities for children, amid fears that the third wave could be fatal for them.
Dr. PK Bhardwaj, Chief Executive Director, Saroj Super Specialty Hospital in Rohini said that the plan is to improve infrastructure in Pediatric ICU and Neonatal ICU.
The hospital is creating the infrastructure keeping in mind that an attendant will have to accompany his/her Covid positive child, he said.
News Source: ZeeNews
