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Gulf Today Report

A third wave of the coronavirus could hit India by the end of August, but it would not be as lethal as the second one, a top infectious diseases expert told a leading Indian TV news channel.

According to a report in a section of the Indian media, Dr Samiran Panda, the head of epidemiology and infectious diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research, listed some factors that could lead to the third wave, including a decline in immunity levels among people.

The Indian Council of Medical Research has listed some factors that could lead to the third wave.

India on Saturday reported 38,079 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 31.06 million, health ministry data showed.

The new coronavirus cases were even lower than Friday's when it was also below the 40,000-mark and lesser than discharged coronavirus patients from hospital in the same time-span.

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The number of deaths rose by 560, taking the total to 413,091, according to ministry data.

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said the country's recovery rate has now climbed to 97.31 per cent.

Indian Police officers inspect the coronavirus SOPs in the fruit and vegetable market in New Delhi.

The total number of samples tested up to July 16 is 442,021,954, including 1998,715 samples tested on Friday.

The active cases in the country now stand at 4,24,025, according to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry.

The Ministry on Friday said that the next 100-125 days will be critical in the fight against coronavirus.

The country has 4,24,025 active cases presently.

NITI Aayog member on health Dr V.K. Paul who is also a member of the centre's task force on fighting COVID said on Friday that "Fall in cases has slowed down. It's a warning signal. Next 100 to 125 days are critical for the fight against COVID in India."

Several states have been cautiously easing restrictions after the second wave appeared to have waned.

The country is, however, preparing for the possibility of a third wave, the health ministry has stated during the COVID briefing on Friday.