Fourth Covid-19 wave predicted in August: K Sudhakar

The minister stated that there is no need for the people to get panic even if the fourth wave surfaces, as vaccination drive had been effectively conducted in the state

Amid reports of a new Covid variant (BA.2) surging globally, Karnataka Health and Medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar on Monday told the Legislative Council that India is likely to witness the fourth wave of Covid in August 2022. However, the minister allayed the fears pointing at widespread vaccination.

Replying to a question by BJP MLC Shashil G Namoshi during the Zero Hour, Dr Sudhakar said, “A new variant of the Omicron (BA.2) was first reported in the Philippines and now this has spread to 40 various countries. Hence, we need to be on high alert and take Covid appropriate precautions.” He also said that he would soon hold a meeting with the Chief Minister as well.

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Recalling the mathematical model and studies conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur, the minister said, “The fourth wave is likely to peak in August as per their report. But we need not panic as we have extensively carried out vaccination drive.”

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So far, Karnataka has administered more than 10.25 crore doses of Covid vaccine. “While more than 4.97 crore persons have taken the first dose, more than 4.76 crore persons have been jabbed with both the doses with an overall vaccination rate of 96 per cent. The vaccination among the 12-year-old and above category is also progressing as per the expectation,” Dr Sudhakar said.

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