Researcher stresses bolstering vaccination to avoid third COVID wave
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New Delhi: A researcher at the IIT-Hyderabad stressed the ramping up of the vaccination, citing a possibility of a third wave pandemic situation in 6-8 month in India.
Professor stressed M Vidyasagar, who was the part of the team that developed the Sutra Model, determined the COVID trajectory, said it is the process of analysing various elements that could predict the third wave.
Since there is a chance of immunity going down if the antibodies are lost, he stressed that vaccination has to be ramped up and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour must be practised.
He further cited a study by Italian researchers on infected people with decreasing antibodies, which give some sort of immunity, in six months.
"We are also adding the aspects of immunity and vaccination in our model for our future forecasts," he added.
Using the SUTRA (Susceptible, Undetected, Tested (positive) and Removed Approach) model, a three-member panel of scientists predicted that the end of May will see about 1.5 lakh cases per day and the end of June will witness 20,000 cases on a daily basis.
The model suggests that Tamil Nadu will see its peak between May 29 and 31 while Puducherry will witness its peak on May 19-20.
States in east and northeast India are yet to see their peaks. Assam may peak by May 20-21. Meghalaya could peak on May 30 while Tripura is likely to peak by May 26-27.
In the north, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are witnessing a surge in cases at present. Himachal Pradesh may see a peak in cases by May 24 and Punjab by May 22.
