Pandemic second wave likely to continue for 2-3 more months

‘Unvaccinated population and those not infected yet will be more vulnerable’

The ongoing second wave of COVID-19 is estimated to continue for two to three more months, said Director of Public Health G. Srinivasa Rao, adding that infections by Delta variant of coronavirus will continue to spread among susceptible population — people who have not been exposed to the infection yet or those who are not vaccinated. At a press conference here on Tuesday, the emphasis was on taking precautions such as wearing masks, observing physical distancing and practising hand hygiene, especially for people participating in festivals, weddings and other functions, or visiting entertainment spaces. Along with Director of Medical Education K. Ramesh Reddy, Dr Srinivasa Rao explained the difference between the first and second waves of the pandemic. The latter said that while Alpha variant was prevalent during the first wave, Delta, the more infectious variant, spread widely in the second wave. They also mentioned the number of cases detected during the two waves.