Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 23

An expert panel constituted by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) has predicted a third Covid-19 wave hitting the country anytime between September and October.

Report quotes IIT-Kanpur

Three likely scenarios based on the level of unlocking

Scenario 1: Third wave may peak in October with 3.2L cases/day

Scenario 2: More virulent variants emerge, 3rd wave may peak in September with 5L cases/day

Scenario 3: It could peak in late October with 2L cases/day

It would, however, not be as severe as predicted by some quarters, it said, adding that there still existed a cause of concern with respect to medical infrastructure, particularly paediatric facilities.

The panel strongly recommended ramping up vaccination at a significant level.

The panel, in its report to the PMO, observed that 7.6 per cent (10.4 crore) people had been fully vaccinated and if the current rate was not increased, the nation could see six lakh cases per day in the next wave.