While Cases Decline In India, Experts Say Second Wave Of COVID Can't Be Ruled Out In Winters

India recorded 10,55,068 Covid-19 cases in the first 15 days of this month, the lowest fortnightly count since the second half of August, as per daily data collated from state governments.

In a positive sign, the number was 18.4 per cent less than the case count in the second half of September.

While the country is apparently on the downward trend in terms of recording new COVID cases, experts believe winters may witness a second wave of COVID.

Niti Aayog Member VK Paul told news agency PTI that possibility of a second wave of infections in the winter season.

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Paul, who is also the chief of an expert panel coordinating efforts to tackle the pandemic in the country, in an interview to PTI said that once the COVID-19 vaccine is available, there will be enough resources to deliver as well as make it accessible to the citizens.

"In India, the new coronavirus cases and number of deaths have declined in the last three weeks and the pandemic has stabilised in most of the states

"However, there are five states (Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal) and 3-4 Union Territories (UTs), where there is still a rising trend," Paul said.

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He is heading the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC).

According to him, India is in a somewhat better position now but the country still has a long way to go because 90 per cent of the people are still susceptible to coronavirus infections.

Countries in Europe are also witnessing a surge in COVID cases with the onset of winters and India may witness the same.