Fourth Covid Wave In Odisha Likely In March!

Bhubaneswar: Amid the rise in Covid-19 cases in China and South Korea, the Odisha government has advised the people to remain prepared for the fourth wave of COVID-19 which is likely to hit the country in March.

Special Secretary of Health department, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, on Tuesday said that as per several models, the fourth COVID wave is likely to affect India in the second or third week of March. But he expressed optimism that there was no reason to panic considering the high vaccination status in the state.

Mohanty said the majority of the population in the country has achieved immunity due to sub-clinical infections. Around 90% of the population have taken double-dose vaccination and 40% have been administered the booster dose. Considering the likelihood of the fourth wave, he advised the people to take the booster dose and wear face masks in public places.

Drawing a comparison in the COVID situation between India and China, Mohanty said the cases rose in China after restrictions were lifted on December 8 following public resistance. Similarly, the vaccination there was not as effective as India.

If we take into account the situation in China, the cases rose after restrictions were lifted on December 8 following public resistance. Similarly, the vaccination in China was not effective like India and the situation is assuming serious proportions as they have also not achieved herd immunity,” said Mohanty.