Expert warns 2nd wave of COVID-19 could have potential of Spanish flu pandemic
Kusai Kedri
Press TV, Barecelona
A health expert in Spain is warning that the novel coronavirus carries the potential lethality of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Spaniards have also been warned that the recent easing of COVID-19 related restrictions does not mean the virus has disappeared.
Single-day coronavirus deaths in Spain fell to record lows this week, prompting hopes for the resumption of social, and economic activities after a 3-month lock down that brought the country to a standstill.
But as restrictions are gradually lifted across the 17 autonomous regions, researchers are warning against lowering the guard. A team of computational biologists from the Polytechnic University of Barcelona claim over 120,000 active cases could still be out there propagating the virus. Catalonia could account for one third of the total active cases.
Drawing parallels to the 1918 influenza pandemic known as the Spanish flu, experts were able to conclude that second and third waves of the COVID-19 are likely to take place with catastrophic consequences if the mechanisms to prevent the spread of the virus, which range from wearing face coverings to social distancing and self-isolation are abandoned.
While Experts race to piece together the COVID-19 puzzle, the fact remains many pieces are still missing.
Over a six-month period, the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of over 400,000 people worldwide and has infected more than 7 million.
If there is one certainty about the COVID-19, it's that the likeliness of a second wave and its impact will mainly depend on people's ability and willingness to limit the spread of the virus.
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