Bhubaneswar: The highly virulent strain called ‘Delta plus’ could start the next wave COVID in Maharashtra in the next two to four weeks. The state-appointed task force attributed this to the massive crowding at markets and malls.
Speaking to mediapersons, Director of Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) Dr CBK Mohanty on Friday said that this is only a projection based on the mathematical model of 100-120 day time gap between two waves.
“Predictions do not always come true and, experts have different opinions on the third wave,” he said.
The DMET director further said that the Odisha government is fully prepared to deal with any possible situation. “COVID appropriate behaviour and vaccination are being stressed upon while infrastructure is being readied to tackle such situation,” he added.
Anticipating a third COVID wave and that a maximum of 5 per cent of infected children would need hospitalisation, the Odisha government is readying 3000 beds including 150 in ICU for them.
Also Read: COVID Third Wave: Kids Unlikely To Be Affected More, Finds WHO-AIIMS Survey
On ‘Delta plus’ variant, he said that only 63 cases have been detected globally till June 7 and six among them are from India.
“There is nothing to panic as we are well prepared to tackle any eventuality,” he added.
This assumes significance as Odisha has begun the unlocking process by allowing more time for buying essential items. However, shopping mall, cinema halls, salon, swimming pools and parlour continue to remain closed and so also educational institutions and tutorials.
While making the announcement on Wednesday, Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra warned against complacency and urged people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour.
Also Read: Unlock Process To Begin In Odisha From Tomorrow; Partial Lockdown To Continue
While admitting that the third wave was a real threat, Angul SP Jagmohan Meena on Thursday had exhorted people to the four-pronged approach of wearing mask properly, maintaining social distancing, not moving out of the house unless is absolutely essential and vaccination.
Also Read: Third Wave Threat Seems Real; Odisha Spells Out 4-Pronged Approach To Tame COVID
