The Covid-19 pandemic cannot be curbed by solely improving hospital infrastructure, but it would also require stemming virus transmission and boosting vaccinations. India may see a third wave if the virus continues to mutate. But it is not clear on what time scale this phase three will occur.
The second wave is fast spreading in the country, taking a bigger toll of lives and misery. The religious gatherings, weddings, the reopening of most public places and crowded election rallies are also to be blamed. The failure to handle it with any degree of success marks a total collapse of governance.
Many Indian cities are reporting a chronic shortage of hospital beds. Disturbing reports of people dying without getting timely treatment are coming from all over the country. Crematoriums have been running day and night in several cities, and people have to wait for hours to get the deceased cremated or buried.
The need of the hour is to strengthen safety protocols and rapidly vaccinate people, and also keep an eye on mutations.
