ICMR Study: Third COVID-19 wave may not be as severe as second wave

The substantial third wave of COVID-19 may not be as severe as the second wave, says a study – Plausibility of the third wave of COVID-19 in India done by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The study is a mathematical modeling based analysis.

It demonstrates plausible mechanisms by which a substantial third wave could occur, while also illustrating that it is unlikely for any such resurgence to be as large as the second wave. However, researchers noted that the projections were subject to uncertainties and scaling up vaccinations is the only way to mitigate against any eventuality. “Preparedness planning for any potential future wave will benefit by drawing upon the projected numbers based on the present modeling exercise,” it said.

Researchers, in the study, examined four potential mechanisms of the third wave of COVID-19 using a compartmental model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. “In the first mechanism, the possibility of waning immunity was considered that would put previously exposed individuals at risk. Second, the emergence of a new vial variant that is capable of escaping immunity to previously circulating strains. Third, the emergence of a new viral variant that is more transmissible than the previously circulating strains. Fourth, of current lockdowns affording fresh opportunities for transmission,” the study said.

The immune-mediated mechanism (waning immunity, or viral evolution for immune escape) are unlikely to drive a severe third wave if acting on their own unless such mechanisms lead to a complete loss of protection among those previously exposed. The researchers highlighted that a new, more transmissible variant will also need to have a very high infection rate to cause the third wave on its own.

Also Read: Fears of negative impact over new set of e-commerce rules

Furthermore, the ICMR study mentioned that two mechanisms where a severe third wave is possible. First is a new variant that is more transmissible and is also capable of escaping prior immunity, and second, when lockdowns are highly effective in limiting transmission and subsequently released.