As per the prediction of health experts, the third wave of the Covid pandemic is imminent which may hit the Country this month (August) even as Odisha continues to witness a downward trend in the daily infections during the on-going month.
DMET (Directorate of Medical Education and Training) director Dr CBK Mohanty today said "The third wave won't be as severe as the second in the country. Moreover, it will have lesser impact in Odisha due to development of antibody in citizens following mass vaccination. Vaccine does play a role in boosting immunity to Covid."
He said, quoting the experts, that the third wave may reach its peak during September -October in the country.
The Corona graph has shown an upward trend in some states like Kerala and Maharashtra. It may be a sign of the onset of third wave, he added.
"If it is not prevented at an early stage, the third wave will undoubtedly hit the country," he maintained.
“There must be a fear for every wave of the pandemic,” he said.
"We are well prepared for the third wave. We have done whatever is possible to face the next wave of covid infection. Dedicated wards with adequate beds have been set up in hospitals for children as they are vulnerable to the third wave of the pandemic. The number of beds will be increased if required," he added.
Speaking on the Delta variant, Mohanty said the impact of the mutant variant is prevalent in 120 countries. However, the variant failed to make any impact in Odisha despite a number of infections with the variant in the State.
Odisha on Tuesday reported 69 new deaths due to Covid-19 infection and 1,129 new infections in last 24 hours.
A maximum of 23 fatalities were reported from Khordha district, nine from Cuttack, seven from Puri and six from Kendrapara district.
Khordha also registered the maximum number 388 new case followed by 135 in Cuttack. Other districts reported less than 100 cases.