The Indian Medical Association (IMA) made an appeal to the Centre and state governments over complacency with regard to COVID-19 protocols, saying a third wave of the pandemic is imminent and hence it is not wise to go ahead with tourist activities, mass gatherings and religious pilgrimages.
“Holding any festival is not advisable as it can be dangerous. IMA requests the government to reconsider their decision regarding any kind of mass gatherings," news agency ANI quoted IMA president Dr. J.A. Jayalal as saying.
“With the global evidence available and the history of any pandemics, the third wave is inevitable and imminent," the IMA stated in a release and observed that "it is painful to note that in many parts of the country, both the government and public are complacent and engaged in mass gatherings without following Covid protocols."
"Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervour are all needed but can wait for a few more months," the IMA release said, adding that "Opening up these rituals and enabling people without vaccination to go scot-free in these mass gatherings are potential super spreaders for the Covid third wave."
The IMA pointed out that it is possible to mitigate the impact of a possible third wave by observing COVID-19 protocols and universal vaccination.
"The consequences of treating a patient with COVID-19 in a hospital and its impacts on the economy will be much better than the economic loss we suffer by avoiding such mass gatherings. It is the duty and responsibility of everyone at this moment to strictly enforce COVID-appropriate behaviour for minimum three more months and ensure that everyone near our houses is getting vaccinated," the statement said.
