Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel can wait, warns IMA amid fears of 'third wave'

New Delhi:As the "imminent" third wave was just round the corner, The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday appealed to the Central and state governments to not let the guard down on the Covid front.

The IMA press release warned that the country had only recently walked out of the disastrous second wave and people should refrain from mass gatherings like tourist bonanza and pilgrimage travels.

While expressing pain over the complacency shown by authorities and the public in various parts of India at this crucial juncture, it said, "With the global evidence available and the history of any pandemics, the third wave is inevitable and imminent...However, it is painful to note...in many parts of the country both the government and public are complacent and engaged in mass gatherings without following Covid protocols."

"Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervour all are needed, but can wait for few more months. Opening up these rituals and enabling people without vaccination to go scot-free in these mass gatherings are potential super spreaders for the Covid third wave," it added.

Highlighting the fact that impact on economy on treating Covid patients is much higher the economic loss suffered by avoiding such gatherings, IMA advises to wait for few more months for opening up pilgrimages and tourism.

According to IMA, ensuring universal vaccination and following Covid-appropriate behaviour can help mitigate the impact of the third wave in a big way.