Experts warn of second Covid wave in winter, festive season

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 12

After Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday announced that the onset of winters could lead to a spurt in coronavirus cases, experts too here warned of another wave in the winter season, if standard protocol was not followed.

From the past three weeks, active cases have started to decline in the city as daily recoveries are surpassing new cases. The city is witnessing a declining trend with 0.8 per cent growth rate.

Prof Jagat Ram, Director, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, said, “We have to stick to the standard protocol for keeping epidemic surge at bay, especially during the winter season, as respiratory viruses thrive better in cold weather and low humidity conditions.”

We have to stick to the standard protocol for keeping epidemic surge at bay, especially during the winter season, as respiratory viruses thrive better in cold weather and low humidity conditions. —Prof Jagat Ram, Director, PGI

“If precautions are not taken, the situation can go out of hand with sudden rise of Covid-19 cases. Besides, people need to be extra cautious during the festival season and practice social distancing,” he added.

The UT Administrator on Monday also directed Deputy Commissioner to ensure that festivals were celebrated by the people while strictly following the Covid-19 protocol.

He instructed that necessary guidelines should be issued while giving permissions for public celebrations.

Prof JS Thakur, the Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, said, “In the absence of any vaccine, mask is the only inoculation. People should wear mask all the time. For any change in season, the viral infection is common among people. How the virus behaves in winter needs to be seen, but there is already second wave in other countries and a similar trend can be expected here too.”

“Residents must also avoid crowded places and gatherings during the festival season. They should try to go to market when there is less crowd,” he added.

The Union Health Minister had stated, “During winter, there is a tendency of overcrowding in residential dwellings, which may increase transmission. So, in the Indian context, it will not be wrong to assume that the winter season may see an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.”

The minister also cited examples of the European countries, especially the United Kingdom, where the number of infections has gone up with the advent of winter.

Recently, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had recommended in a document that Delhi should prepare for a daily surge of approximately 15,000 positive cases and make arrangements for patients’ admission with moderate and severe disease.

Meanwhile, Manoj Parida, the UT Adviser, said, “We will make proper market arrangement for residents during the festival season and issue guidelines for social distancing and safety protocol. We have adequate infrastructure for the surge expected in the winter season as well.”