'Covid 3.0 may be as severe as 2nd wave'

Mumbai EXPERTS have warned about a possible third wave, given that only around 3.2 per cent of the Indian population has been fully vaccinated thus far. The intensity of the third wave will be as severe as the second wave though death toll may come down, according to a research report by SBI.

Better health infrastructure and rigorous vaccination could lead to a decline in serious Covid cases from 20 per cent to five per cent during the third wave, subsequently reducing coronavirus-related deaths to 40,000 "as compared to current deaths of more than 1.7 lakh", says the research report. The impact of any possible third wave of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic could be significantly minimised by rigorous vaccination and providing better health infrastructure, as per the SBI research document.

The report goes on to say that the average duration of the third wave of the pandemic in the worst-hit countries lasted for 98 days as against 108 days during the second wave. Citing international experience, the report further suggested that the intensity of the third wave would be as severe as the second wave. Not to mention that some of the countries have already witnessed the fourth wave of Covid-19.