India's current COVID-19 wave could peak in April: Report
India has been reporting a surge in daily new COVID-19 cases since February, which "clearly indicates a second wave," according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). Further, this wave may last up to 100 days, the report added. Meanwhile, it pinned hopes on a successful vaccination drive to contain the virus' spread. Here are more details on this.
Total cases in current wave expected to be 25 lakh
Based on trends until March 23, the total number of coronavirus cases in India in the second wave is expected to be around 25 lakh, the report estimated. By considering the peak level during the first wave of COVID-19 in India, it predicted that the current wave's peak might be reached in the second half of next month.
'Localized restrictions ineffective in curbing spread'
The report claimed that localized lockdowns or restrictions have been "ineffective" in curbing the spread of the virus. It said that the business activity index has declined in the last week, adding that the impact of lockdown or restrictions imposed by certain states might become visible next month. It stated that India's "only hope" to win the battle against the pandemic is mass vaccination.
Report calls for increase in vaccination pace
The report also called for an increase in the pace of vaccination in India. Raising daily vaccination capacity from the current 34 lakh to 40-45 lakh would mean that inoculation of citizens aged above 45 years can be completed in four months from now.
India reported over 50,000 cases yesterday
India on Wednesday reported more than 53,000 fresh coronavirus infections, the highest single-day spike in over five months, according to the data released by the Union Health Ministry. The jump took the country's total caseload to over 1.17 crore. India has been witnessing a worrying surge in COVID-19 cases amid concerns over mutated strains of the virus that are said to be more dangerous.
