An “Avalanche” Awaits Us: Former ICMR chief Dr. Jacob John

In an email interview, renowned virologist Dr T Jacob John, formerly with the Christian Medical College, Vellore, slammed the Indian and state governments for not testing enough for COVID-19.
He also warned that an “avalanche” of cases await the country. Here are excerpts from an email interview with the expert.
1. The original peak of the COVID-19 spread was expected to be around April 07-10. The lockdown was expected to flatten the curve to an extent and allow healthcare facilities to be prepared. Do you believe that south India (at least) is over the peak? Can we expect to see positive cases coming down? Dr John:  There is no mathematical modelling (for peak calculation); the inputs for such modelling are just not available. No state has reached the peak. How will we know if any state has reached the peak? (It is an) Old children’s story.
What did the bear see when it reached the top of the mountain? The other side of the mountain.
When the curve takes a downturn and stays the down-slope, then we know the peak was passed. We are yet to reach the peak. Things are going to get a lot worse as we all are moving towards the peak.