To prepare for the third wave of Covid-19, here is what India needs to do -Abhishek Jha and Vineet Sachdev

-Hindustan Times

The second wave of Covid-19 infections in India peaked on May 9, 2021. The seven-day moving average of daily cases has come down to 85,807 from the peak of 391,819 on May 9.

The fact that India faced a severe second wave of infections, which overwhelmed the health infrastructure, has underlined the importance of preparing well for the third wave. Of course, the pace of vaccinations will matter the most in determining whether or not there is a nationwide third wave. Vaccinations apart, here are four things that must be done to reduce the impact of a possible third wave of Covid-19 infections.

Testing facilities need to be expanded

Testing in time and isolating infected patients is the key to containment of Covid-19 infections. Whether or not people get tested in time depends on access to testing facilities. A symptomatic person is more likely to get a test done if the testing centre is one kilometre away from their place than if it is located at a distance of 20 kilometres. Paid and free tests (at government facilities) are also likely to make a difference, especially for the poor.

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