Infection may surge after market reopening, but subside in a week: Expert

However, he added, it is unlikely to lead to an outbreak like last time, as most persons associated with market complex would have developed immunity after having already been infected.

“The surge due to Koyambedu market reopening will subside in a week or ten days,” he said.

However, he warned against reopening schools in the State at one go, noting that it could lead to a huge spike. Advocating phased opening of schools, he explained that if children got infected at school, they would carry the virus home and pass it on to family members. “Preferably, schools should be opened district by district based on the COVID status of each district.”

The fresh outbreak of cases being witnessed in the State was only a “bump and not a curve in the COVID graph” he said. “This is due to Unlock 4, which allowed more interpersonal interaction between people. However, this cannot be helped as the economy has to be brought back on track. Hence, the use of masks and following handwashing and social distancing protocols are of utmost importance and should be followed diligently,” Dr John added.

As the number of people yet to contract the virus was more than those who have already been infected, they would become prime targets for the virus if safety measures were not followed by people, he added.

Compared to Tamil Nadu, the spike in Kerala and Karnataka was higher and steady. The outbreak was more in Kerala, as its health officials had initially suppressed the wave, the virologist opined.