- The citizens are wary and fatigued out because of seemingly unending restrictions courtesy the pandemic is wittingly or unwittingly letting their guard down whilst failing to observe the sacrosanct safety and health protocols. Back-to-back SARS-Cov-2 waves have severely damaged the economy as well as citizens’ desire to lead a dignified existence over the last year and a half is stating the obvious. We, as a nation, are still constrained to picking up shattered threads in whatever ways and means possible is an undeniable reality even though the governments have walked a tough road balancing out by managing the virus menace as well as allowing economic activities to resume. However, the challenges staring from many fronts are dime a dozen.
PC: Klerka
- People in the know would nod in agreement that the devasting second Covid wave is actually not behind us as the daily confirmed infection rates reported are in the range of 40 to 44 thousand even now. Note that these daily positivity rates are half of the peak cases witnessed during the last year’s first wave. In other words, the virus is comfortably entrenched amid us waiting for an opportune moment to unleash yet another round of damages. Worrying signs are already visible as this week’s increase in the infection rates is over 7.5% as compared to the last 11 weeks of steady decline observed. These numbers should send alarm bells ringing not only for the authorities concerned but also citizens who might be feeling complacent under the false impression of having tamed the virus.
- As the scientific and medical community has been consistently warning about the impending third wave striking with vengeance, all responsible citizens must join hands with the government to face any unpleasant situation striking us. Sadly, despite the deluge of information, urgings, exhortations, and announcements to follow covid-appropriate-behaviour by avoiding unnecessary travelling and social gatherings, people are largely failing to adhere to these guidelines. Crowded hill stations, travel destinations, and markets reveal disturbing visuals of people reveling with gay abandon without social distancing or masking conveniently forgetting about the impending dangers lurking around the corner. Such a behaviour amounts to nothing but extending an open invitation for the virus to spread with renewed vigor.
PC: Gajera Trust
- Against this backdrop, the Government of India must double its efforts to ensure uninterrupted adequate production of vaccines, followed by suitable distribution across the country ensuring the supply chain is smooth. The month of July has failed to live up to the stated objectives vis-à-vis vaccination drive in the absence of regular supply. Therefore, the month of August assumes greater importance and must target inoculating not less than 10 million doses per day to stave off the infection challenges. Any shortfall in the inoculation target is bound to result in a pitiable situation which the country cannot afford at this point. In the meanwhile, people should diligently follow safety and health guidelines as also receive jabs to stay safe. Let us do our bit, please!
