COVID-19 third wave may peak in October, children at risk: MHA panel report
The committee has also noted that better medical preparedness is necessary especially for children who might be at risk just as much as adults this time.
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FollowA committee of experts under the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) formed under the supervision of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has warned that the third wave of Covid-19 may peak in October.
The committee has also noted that better medical preparedness is necessary especially for children who might be at risk just as much as adults this time.
The panel in its report stated that, “Paediatric [control] facilities including doctors, staff, equipment like ventilators, ambulances etc are nowhere close to what may be required in case a large number of children become infected.”
According to the report, there is no direct evidence that proves children in India will be more affected in the anticipated third wave. The report, however, suggests that children remain a cause of concern since they are still not vaccinated.
"Many health experts had initially raised concerns about the possibility of a third wave affecting children more adversely than adults. However, recent scientific data suggests otherwise," the report said.
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The report calls for prioritising vaccination among children with co-morbidities and a special focus on specially-abled children. Also, the vulnerability of children has been discussed in the report, especially of those who haven't been vaccinated.
Titled, 'Third Wave Preparedness: Children Vulnerability and Recovery', the report has majorly focussed on the possibility of Covid-affecting children and the required strategies to deal with the pandemic.
The recommendations made by the committee has suggested “a holistic home care model, immediate increase in paediatric medical capacities and prioritising mental health issues among children”. It has mooted structuring of Covid wards in a way that allows children’s attendants or parents to safely stay with them through their recovery.
Also, the report by the committee of experts has stated that to battle the third wave of the pandemic, the Centre will need to prepare their resources keeping in mind 23 hospitalisations per 100 positive cases, if the Covid test positivity rate increases in the country once again.
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