Maharashtra’s Health Minister Rajesh Tope, on Thursday, made a big announcement citing reports and predictions of experts. Tope said that the third wave of COVID-19 might hit Maharashtra by November first week, which could infect over 60 lakh people.
Tope said that in first wave nearly 20 lakh citizens were infected with the virus and in second wave the number almost rose to 40 lakh. Maharashtra, which was one of the worst affected states during second wave, could see over one lakh daily positive cases during third wave.
Third wave is likely to hit Maharashtra by November first week after festivals like Dushera and Diwali. The state faced acute shortage of Oxygen and ICU beds during second wave and hence, the state has increased the oxygen capacity to 2000 MT, said Tope.
He further stated that he had requested CM Uddhav Thackeray to write to Union Health Ministry for assuring all possible help from Centre. Tope said that he would personally meet Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Centre was giving nearly 1.2 crore vaccine doses to Maharashtra and it was assured that next month, over 1.5 crore doses would be given. If this happens, then we will be able to vaccinate nearly 15 lakh people on a daily basis.