New Delhi: As India reels under a severe second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and hospitals across the country are crowded with people complaining about lack of medicines, oxygen and other necessary facilities, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr. Randeep Guleria spoke exclusively with ABP News about the arrival of the third wave of the pandemic in India.
Dr. Guleria said the second wave of the virus will weaken only after the people cooperate and take all necessary precautions.
“I believe the virus will be at its peak in some areas and vice-versa. The cases are decreasing in Maharashtra. The situation is stable in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. It is expected the cases will be decreased by the middle of this month. However, cases will increase in North-East and Bengal. Only then will the overall case start decreasing till next month,” he said.
Dr. Guleria, however, said the decrease in Covid-19 cases depends on the people.
“We have to break the chain of transmission. Everyone needs to start a campaign together. All need to stay at home put on masks. Do not leave the house if it is not necessary. Do not gather crowd for two to three months. Do not go for any party,” he added.
Lockdown:
Talking about the lockdown being imposed to curb the spread of the infection, Dr Guleria said several states have taken steps at their own level.
“The meaning of lockdown at this point of time is to ensure that people do not meet so that the chain of corona virus is broken. Lockdown should be imposed for two weeks in areas where the positivity rate is high. The hospitals are left with less beds. There is a need to ensure strictness during the lockdown. If the movement of people continues then it makes no sense. The speed with which cases are rising, any health care system will become weak in dealing with it,” he added.
Effectiveness of vaccines:
Dr. Guleria while talking about the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines said a few cases are being reported in which the people are suffering despite having taken the vaccine.
“This also came to the fore during the trial (of vaccines). I believe that 80 percent of people will develop antibodies after taking the vaccine. It is not 100 percent effective. The people need to be cautious even after taking the vaccine. The vaccine is effective on all variants of the corona,” he added.
Third-Wave:
The AIIMS Director said it is true that those not affected so far will be hit with the arrival of new waves of the virus.
“Vaccines should also be given to children. The research with regard to the vaccines is on,” he added.
Heart attack due to Covid:
Dr. Guleria said the coronavirus affects our lungs.
“In many cases, blood clotting takes place and it also affects our heart in many ways. In one case, bleeding started from the intestine. We tried to save him,” he added.