Third wave imminent : IMA

Opening tourist destinations, allowing pilgrimage travel could act as a "Super spreader" for the third wave: IMA . The health body also appealed to all the states to control mass gathering.

Indian Medical Association on Monday warned that opening tourist destinations and allowing pilgrimage travel could act as their "super spreaders" for the third wave of Covid-19. According to the statement, "global evidence and the history of any pandemic suggest that the third wave is inevitable and imminent." It also said that "it is painful to note that in this crucial time when everyone needs to work for the mitigation of the third wave, in many parts of the Country, both Government and the public are complacent and engaged in mass gathering without following Covid-19 protocols. Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervour, all are needed but can wait for a few more months.

IMA also appealed to all the states to control mass gatherings and said based on the experience of the last one and half years of the war with the virus and emerging evidence, it is obvious that by making a Universal vaccination drive reach the maximum number of people and strictly follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, people can face the third wave with confidence and mitigate its impact.

Meanwhile, this notice comes after the beginning of Rath yatra, Kanwar yatra in Uttar Pradesh, tourist rush in Manali, viral images of Kempty falls created a sense of panic among the viewers.