New 'Delta plus' variant might trigger third COVID wave in Maharashtra in less than a month: Health department

The state health department warned that the total number of COVID cases in the third wave could be double of that in the second wave. Officials also warned that the third wave can strike in less than a month if COVID-appropriate behaviour isn't followed.

Mumbai: The third wave of COVID-19 can hit Maharashtra within a month, or even less than that, the state health department has sounded a warning bell. And it's the 'Delta plus' variant of the coronavirus, that was recently discovered, which can trigger the third wave, officials said. According to media reports, the state health department during a presentation attended by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, said that the number of active patients could reach up to eight lakh, while 10% out of them could be children. But it was also said that kids won't be as affected as the lower middle class clusters that haven't so far been exposed to the virus so much. The meeting was held to take stock of the COVID-19 situtation in the state and review its preparedness.