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Agencies:

COVID-19: 'Possibility of second wave in winter'

New Delhi
October 19, 2020

The number of new Coronavirus cases and deaths have declined in the last three weeks as the spread of the pandemic has stabilized in most of the states, Niti Aayog Member V. K Paul said on Sunday but did not rule out the possibility of a second wave of infections in the winter season.

Paul, who is also the Chief of an expert panel coordinating efforts to tackle the pandemic in the country, said that once the COVID-19 vaccine is available, there will be enough resources to deliver as well as make it accessible to citizens.

�In India, the new Coronavirus cases and number of deaths have declined in the last three weeks and the pandemic has stabilized in most of the states.

�However, there are five states (Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal) and 3-4 Union Territories, where there is still a rising trend,� Paul told in an interview. He is heading the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19.

According to him, India is in a somewhat better position now but the country still has a long way to go because 90 % of the people are still susceptible to Coronavirus infections.

On whether India could see a second wave of Coronavirus infections in the winter, Paul said that with the onset of winter, countries across Europe are seeing resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

�We cannot rule out (a second coronavirus wave this winter in India). Things can happen and we are still learning about the virus,� Paul noted. He stressed on COVID-19-appropriate behavior during festival season and winter months.

�Because of the winter season, some increase in pollution in north India as well as festival season, we have to be very careful. Coming months are a challenge. One would be worried that we could lose the gains that we have made,� Paul said.