NITI Ayog issues warning, says next 100-125 days critical

New Delhi : Next 100-125 days are critical in fight against coronavirus, NITI Ayog warned on Friday. The fall in coronavirus cases two months after hitting a peak of the second wave has slowed down and this should be taken as a warning sign, NITI Ayog member on health Dr VK Paul told reporters on Friday.

"Fall in cases has slowed down. It's a warning signal. Next 100 to 125 days are critical for fight against Covid in India," said Dr Paul, who is also a member of the centre's task force on fighting Covid.

Several states have relaxed restrictions after the number of coronavirus cases came significantly down. The nation is however preparing for a possible third wave.

"We are moving towards a set target to administer 50 crore doses before July. We are on the path to achieving it. The government has ordered 66 crore doses of Covishield and Covaxin. Additionally, 22 crore doses will go to the private sector," Dr Paul said, adding Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the task force to do everything possible to prevent a third wave.

How to avoid third wave?

Experts have said that considering all factors, quick vaccination is the only way to avoid third wave of coronavirus. Dr Paul quoted a study done by ICMR on police personnel that showed officials who had taken both doses of a vaccine avoided mortality threat due to coronavirus.

"Incidence of COVID-19 deaths per 1,000 was 1.17 among unvaccinated, 0.21 among partially vaccinated and 0.06 in fully vaccinated," the study said.

Meanwhile, India reported 38,949 new cases of coronavirus on Friday.