COVID surge in some states indicates third wave - ICMR
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New Delhi: States which did not go through an intense second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic are seeing a surge in new cases. These states are showing early signs of the third wave of the pandemic in India, said Dr Samiran Panda, head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
He said that it is important to take a state-specific view on the matter rather than talking about India as a whole. He added that all the states are not homogenous. The ICMR Head said that several states began imposing Covid-19 restrictions and increased vaccination. The second wave was not as intense for these states but it left scope for a third wave.
He added that every state should look into their data in both the first and the second wave to decide their strategy and preparations for a possible third wave, reported ANI.
He stated that people should not panic about the reopening of the schools. He explained that the fourth national serosurvey clearly shows that more than 50% of children are infected, a little less than adults. "The more important thing is to prepare well".
The ICMR head declared that it is safe to open schools as long as the protocols are followed. He added that states that did not experience an intense second wave should exercise caution and open schools gradually.
He insisted that teachers, parents, supporting staff, bus drivers, and conductors should be vaccinated. He stressed the importance of Covid appropriate behaviour and display hoardings showing what it is.