Concerns rise over massive yoga day event amidst surge in COVID-19 cases
The massive event proposed to be held on a 20-km stretch along the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to attend, is expected to draw over 5 lakh participants. The State government has also announced plans to mobilise thousands of participants for the event.
While the current rise in COVID-19 cases is not considered alarming, health experts warn that mass gatherings without proper precautions like wearing masks, maintaining physical distance between participants, and lack of hygiene could lead to a spike in cases.
A doctor said: 'Though the present strains of the virus, which are variants of omicron, are not causing severe illness or death, one cannot rule out the long-term effects of the virus. Patients may develop health issues at a later stage in their life.'
Recently, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) three-day 'Mahanadu' meeting in Kadapa saw thousands of party leaders and workers attend the event without wearing masks. Ironically, the State government had earlier issued an advisory asking people not to participate in large gatherings, religious congregations, and party meetings. However, it withdrew the advisory ahead of the Mahanadu.
Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV) general secretary T. Kameswara Rao and its president MV Ramaniah expressed concern over the planned mega Yoga Day event on June 21. In a letter to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday, they warned that mobilising 2 lakh participants across 20-km, poses a risk of becoming a COVID-19 'super-spreader event', especially given the rise of active cases in Visakhapatnam and across the country.
Dr. K. Rambabu, Director of Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), told The Hindu: 'Most people have developed herd immunity either due to previous infection or vaccination. The chance of infection is low. However, those with co-morbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease should take extra precautions.' He added that yoga is unlikely to pose a risk as participants would be performing asanas on mats at a safe distance.'
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