Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Second Wave of Coronavirus

Second wave of coronavirus might hit India soon, warned AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria.

He said India is vulnerable to the second wave of Coronavirus and it might hit the country soon after the cases begin to decline. People should continue to take precautions.

A large volume of cases is concentrated in specific areas like hotspots, and in order to maintain things in order, Dr.Randeep Guleria suggested a limited lockdown in hotspots to stay. India has jumped past 4.5 lakh coronavirus cases and 14,476 people have succumbed to the viral infection so far. He also added that a micro plan is needed to avoid leakage of cases from hotspots. When cases come down significantly, people tend to drop their guard against the viral infection, and this leads to the second wave (which means a sudden increase in the number of cases).

Extensive testing and contact tracing should be ensured
The expert also stated that an extensive testing of people and also extensive contact tracing of people who have got in touch with positive people should be done. People who have developed symptoms should get themselves tested, especially in the containment areas.

Dr.Guleria also explained that the cases will continue to increase for some time. The doubling time of cases has also increased. But, the curve will also begin to flatten soon. Though, it is difficult to give an exact time period but it seems, the growth in cases will flatten in the end of July or beginning of August.

Precautions should be taken for at least for one year, says AIIMS Director
Once cases begin to decline, people should continue to follow the precautions — continue to maintain social distancing. If people do not follow social distancing then the spike in cases is apparent. We need to take these precautions at least for one year.

The curve might flatten before the second wave but as a measure, we need to control and reduce community participation and citizens should continue to follow social distancing.

The virus is still lurking and precautions can only prevent a second wave which we see coming. 70 per cent of cases are in 10 cities and we need to focus on hotspots and identify cases in these areas at an early stage to prevent surge in cases.

He mentioned that cases should be identified at an early stage in hotspots. The population density is very high in these cities. People in lower socio-economic status are highly vulnerable to the infection because many live together in small spaces and there is a lot of mixing of people happening there, added Dr.Guleria.

Dr. Guleria said that people in lower socio-economic status are highly vulnerable to the virus as at number of places people are not following social distancing and not wearing masks. In fact, many are in close vicinity of each other. This can result in a dangerous second wave, Dr Guleria warned.

Over to you
Dr. Guleria expressed concern about gatherings at markets as it may result in dangerous second wave of Coronavirus.