We have enough time to prepare for the third wave

This picture has been used for representational purpose

As the threat of a Covid third wave looms, there have been a spate of reports warning about how children are at increased risk. The state has repeatedly claimed that it is prepared for the third wave and a paediatric task force has been formed to tackle the same.

It has been found that seropositivity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody has increased in the non-slum areas and actually decreased in the slums, a report in this paper said. Blood samples also showed the same.

We need those in charge to swing into action now. There is no need for alarm but clarity. There must be great stress on hygiene within the parameters of slum dwelling. While social distancing or separate washrooms is not possible in slums, people must be advised to do what they can within limitations.

We had seen a great model in the first wave when after a veritable explosion of cases in Dharavi, there was a steady and impressive decline. Experts were calling it the Dharavi model. If the same model and measures could be adopted at the start in several slum pockets it would certainly help. The advantage here is that we have history to help us, we can now take lessons learnt from the recent past and apply it to the current situation to stop an expected wave at the outset as best as we can.

Better communication through local leaders about vaccinations, smashing myths and fallacies about the vaccine and the importance of the message that the vaccine is a safeguard but protocols must be followed regardless, must begin. There will certainly be some representatives within these pockets and the local municipal authorities can rope them in for greater efficacy. Slum dwellers are a very vital part of the break the chain ecosystem and enough attention must be paid to see we do not get overwhelmed by cases in slums.