As many as 50 lakh people including five lakh children could be infected in Maharashtra in a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, state Food and Drug Administration Minister Rajendra Shingne said on Friday.

Talking to reporters at Buldhana, the minister said a third wave could have eight lakh active cases at its peak. "About five lakh children may be infected, of which 2.5 lakh may need admission in government hospitals.