COVID third wave to peak in October; Daily cases may reach 14,000 in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, a panel of experts constituted under the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) warned of third wave that may peak around October in the country.

The committee set up by the Union Home Ministry noted that children might be at similar risk as adults.

The NIDM in its report submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that the peak of COVID-19 third wave is expected to reach by late October and there is a need of paediatric facilities, including doctors, staff, and equipment like ventilators and ambulances, if a large number of children is infected with the virus.

The healthcare infrastructure that is currently available in the country is nowhere close to the requirement if such situation arises, the expert committee mentioned.

The NIDM suggested for prioritising vaccination among children with comorbities ahead of impending third wave to fight against the deadly infection.

Based on prediction by researchers over imminent third wave, Odisha Government seems to be ‘well-prepared’ to tackle the possible crisis.

A top official in health department stated that all arrangements are in place for treatment of children.

“The daily cases in country may reach 4 lakh in the impending third wave of COVID-19 and Odisha may log 14,000 cases everyday. As per experts, the children could be affected as severely as adults,” said DMET chief Dr. CBK Mohanty today.

On preparedness of the government to deal with Covid situation in possible third wave, State Health Director Bijay Mohapatra said that all Covid hospitals were ready with special facilities.

“As many 23 cases out of 100 would require hospitalisation during the peak of third wave,” he said .