The state Covid-19 task force made the observations in a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
The third wave could hit the state as early as in two-four weeks given the crowding it has seen in the last three days, Maharashtra’s Covid-19 task force has warned. The ratio of the total number of cases during third wave is expected to be double of that during second wave.
The state Covid-19 task force made the observations in a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday to check preparednesss measures.
“The Delta plus variant could stoke a third wave in Maharashtra. It could spread at double the rate,” an official said during the presentation.
During the first wave in 2020, the state recorded 19 lakh cases. While during the second wave in 2021, 40 lakh cases were recorded.
Member of the taskforce Dr Shashank Joshi said: “The UK is facing a third wave within four weeks of ebbing of the second wave. We could be in the same situation if we don’t stay vigilant and practise Covid-appropriate behaviour.”
Though children would not be affected as much because of limited exposure of those in the lower middleclass clusters to the virus, it is expected that 10 per cent of the total cases could be in children or young adults.
“We believe children won’t be the target of the next wave. They may not make up for more than 3.5% of the patient pool—like it happened in the first two waves,” Dr Joshi said.
“Uncontrolled crowds and disregard for Covid-19 norms like wearing of masks and avoiding non-essential movement are worrisome. Even in Mumbai, with certain time restrictions in place, there is free movement throughout the day,” another senior official, who was th part of meeting, said.
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