Inappropriate Behavior Will Bring The Third Wave Sooner Than Expected
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
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By Linus Garg
First publised on 2021-06-20 03:47:50
About the Author
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
View all posts by this Author
AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria has warned that if Covid appropriate behavior is not followed by the people, India will witness the third wave of Covid-19 as early as in 6 to 8 weeks (which he later revised to 12 to 16 weeks). He said that the Delta variant of the virus puts unvaccinated people at high risk. Hence, it is of utmost importance that people follow all Covid protocols, even if they are vaccinated, till herd immunity is achieved by fully vaccinating at least 60-65 percent of the population.
Dr Guleria said that "the way people are people are crowding in the markets and malls without following any Covid-appropriate behavior, I feel a third wave may hit earlier, possibly in 12 to 16 weeks". This is certainly possible given the fact that the second wave happened precisely for this reason. People became criminally indifferent and threw all caution to the winds. It was painful to see that there was a complete breakdown of discipline and everyone started behaving as if the virus had vanished. The same scenario is being repeated now after restrictions are being relaxed in most states. Indians, it seems, do not learn from experience.
Just five weeks back the media was full of reports about people running around to get ICU beds, medical oxygen and Covid drugs. There were reports of people losing their near and dear ones and long lines at crematoriums. The people were agitated and blamed the government for all their problems. Yet when the wave has receded and restrictions are being lifted, they are going back to their undisciplined ways. It is known that people have short memory but one thought that perhaps they would remember things that impact their health.
It is absolutely that people follow the Covid protocols religiously till December. They must not venture out of their homes unless it is essential. Even when they go out, they must avoid crowded places. They must wear masks, preferably double masks, in public. They must carry hand sanitizer and sanitize their hands frequently. They must avoid touching surfaces or leaning on walls and partitions. They must get vaccinated and influence others to get the jab too. We will win the war against the virus only by getting vaccinated and following Covid-appropriate behavior for the next 6 months.
