The impact of any possible third wave of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic could be significantly minimised by rigorous vaccination and providing better health infrastructure, according to a State Bank of India (SBI) research document. India’s largest public sector bank, in its five-page-long report, said that the average duration of the third wave of the pandemic in the worst-hit countries is 98 days as against 108 days during the second wave. Citing international experience, the report further suggested that the intensity of the third wave has been as severe as the second wave. “However it is also observed that in third wave, if we are better prepared, the decline in serious case rate will lead to less number of deaths,” SBI research document read. The exponential rise in Covid cases during the second wave overwhelmed the country's health infrastructure, leading to massive oxygen shortage in hospitals.

Source: Hindustan Times June 02, 2021 11:37 UTC