"This Is A Warning": Centre On Dip In Decline In Daily Covid Cases

NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul said the question of the third wave keeps coming up because the population is still "very vulnerable" to the infection.

The government on Friday said the recent slow decline in number of daily cases is a warning and though the situation is currently under control, it can deteriorate if Covid appropriate behaviour is not followed, and noted that the next 100-125 days are critical, both for the system and people. Addressing a press conference, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul said the question of the third wave keeps coming up because the population is still "very vulnerable" to the infection. "We still have not reached the stage of herd immunity... we don't want to acquire herd immunity through infections. We are progressing in terms of vaccines and nearly 50 per cent of our most vulnerable group, above the age of 45 years, is protected. This will also impact mortality and it will come down, but there can be spread of infection. We are vulnerable. Virus is still around," he warned. Mr Paul said the next 100-125 days are critical.