Tourism, pilgrimages and large gatherings could trigger third wave, says IMA
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As reports of revenge travel hogged the headlines in recent weeks, various agencies had raised the alarm against such tendencies which could become reasons for another major spread of the pandemic.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) in a statement warned against the “tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel and religious fervor” which could become super spreader events and bring on a potential third wave.“All these activities are needed, but can wait for a few more months,”
The association claimed that global evidence available indicated the certainty of a third wave in India was inevitable and imminent. The only way to reduce the impact of the third wave was through universal vaccination and Covid appropriate behaviour on the part of the people and the governments.
While it was important for the entire country to work together to face the challenge, the association said that it was extremely painful to note complacency on the part of the public and governments in various states on following Covid protocols.
“Opening up these events and enabling people without vaccination to go scot free in these mass gatherings are potential super spreaders for the Covid third wave,” the IMA statement said.
The association reminded everyone of the economic cost of treating people at hospitals in large numbers adding that the very same cost of a third wave would far exceed the economic benefits derived from such activities now, which were avoidable.
