Tourist influx fuels 3rd wave fear in HP

Herd immunity not likely

Due to virus mutation, the possibility of achieving herd immunity is not very high. — Amitabh Awasthy, secy, health & family welfare

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 30

Fears of a third Covid wave have gripped Himachal Pradesh as the number of active cases rose to 1,137 today and the new cases crossed 200-mark yesterday. Huge influx of labourers and tourists is said to be one of the main reasons behind the recent surge.

As per a sero survey, the level of antibodies was 60.8 in Kullu district. Of the 400 samples, 243 had tested positive for Covid. In case of health workers, antibodies were found in 62 of the 99 samples (62.6 per cent).

“Due to virus mutation, the possibility of achieving herd immunity is not very high,” said Amitabh Awasthy, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare. He said although antibodies were found in 62 per cent people, the likelihood of attaining herd immunity was not very strong due to the prevalence of various mutants.

Chief Secretary Anil Khachi said preparations were on to ensure that in the case of a third wave, the state was well equipped to tackle the situation. “Within a month, we will have 28 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) plants to meet oxygen requirement. This will help cover most of the 100-bedded health institutions at places like Rampur, Theog, Nurpur and Paonta Sahib,” he said.

An official said, “The influx of a large number of persons from Nepal to work as labourers in apple orchards makes us vulnerable as the Covid situation in that country is quite grim.”

Shimla, Kinnaur, Sirmaur, Solan and Kullu districts have a number of apple orchards. Shimla and Kullu also have a huge tourist influx, which aggravates Covid concerns. Sudden spike in Covid cases in Mandi district hints the dormant virus is getting activated again, for a possible third wave.