As the nation would undergo the festive season in October-November, experts predicted reinfection of COVID-19 and called the Karnataka government to take measures to prevent spreading the virus. Experts also advised the government for the third dose at the year-end to protect people.

Those who were infected during the second wave of COVID-19 may be vulnerable to reinfections as the antibodies could wane after six months. They also predicted about 10 per cent of breakthrough infections, that is when the coronavirus overpowers the antibodies induced by a vaccine.

Cases have been on the rise in isolated parts, mainly due to the infectious Delta variant of the virus. This surge has renewed focus on a widely predicted third wave of infections in India, with children reportedly being the key targets.

“It is important to keep a close watch on the situation till November mainly because of the possibility of a surge in reinfection,” said Dr MK Sudarshan, chairman, state Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).