Pointing at a more disastrous situation, Mohanty said in such a scenario children are more likely to get infected by the Covid virus as adults are getting immune to it either by vaccination or due to earlier infection.
The daily Corona cases in the country will reach 4 to 5 lakhs during September-October as per the NIDM panel report. Odisha’s population is 3.6% of national population hence it gets a share of 14,400 in the infection, he added.
However, the DMET head assured it that the Odisha Government has already prepared the infrastructure and logistics well in advance to fight the third wave.
The NIDM in its report submitted to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) emphasised on upgrading the paediatric facility in the country including doctors, staff, and equipment to tackle the situation in which children in large numbers will be affected.
The panel in its report suggested for prioritising vaccination among children to meet the challenge.