Third Wave Could Hit Maharashtra As Early As July: Dr Pranav Kabra

MIUMBAI: The third wave of the Coronavirus pandemic could hit Maharashtra as early as July or August, Dr Pranav Kabra of the Raksha Multispecialty Hospital at Malad in suburban Mumbai has warned.

The situation on the ground is not at ease and the viral infections could flare up at any time, he opined.

“The indications are very much there. If the numbers of Covid positive patients have fallen over the last 15 days, it is because of the lockdown. The warm weather has also contributed to the fall in Covid positive cases. Because of a fear psychosis among the masses after the incidence of severe illness and deaths witnessed in April and early May. But now, once again the youth are taking things easy. It is sad to see, hundreds of youth in the suburbs roaming around without masks. At many places there is crowding. People are not keeping adequate distance. If one visits marketplaces in the suburbs in the late mornings or during evening time, one can see the crowds, which are not following Covid appropriate behaviour,” Dr Kabra said.

Meanwhile, several parts of India have begun the process of cautiously resuming activities stopped two months ago when the coronavirus cases began its deadly surge in the second wave. The ‘unlocking’ comes as Covid cases have seen a steady fall in recent weeks.

In Delhi, shops in malls, markets, market complexes, standalone shops and neighborhood shops opened with the restrictions of odd-even and timings. Delhi Metro, which was suspended since May 10, resumed services with 50 per cent capacity. Private offices are allowed to function with 50 per cent staff.

In Mumbai, restaurants, shops selling non-essential items and public places reopened today but malls, theatres and multiplexes will continue to remain shut as the metropolis has been categorised under level 3 of the ‘unlock’ plan. Local trains in in the city can carry only essential workers. Buses are allowed to run full capacity, but passengers can’t travel standing to avoid crowding.

The Uttar Pradesh government has allowed shops and markets outside containment zones in Varanasi, Muzaffarnagar, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad to open for five days a week from today after active COVID-19 cases in these four districts fell below 600. The relaxations will be effective from Mondays to Fridays from 7 am to 7 pm. However, night and weekend curfews will continue.