- The pandemic-induced trauma, both physical as well as psychological, on every human being in whatever ways – either bracketed as debilitating or marginal, as the case may be – needs no further elaboration. All of us are scorched in one or the other form will be vouched in vivid details by millions for the virus has left none of the sea of humanity untouched. The tales of tragedy emanating from scores of affected families buttresses the fact that the virus has inalienably left behind destructions permanently altering the way we lead our lives. Most significantly, the virus does not show any signs of fatigue even as humanity battles away dispiritedly.
PC:
- Mind you, not knowing when the end will eventually arrive in proclaiming our win over the unknown enemy is still far away. Of course, the timely invention of vaccines has indeed proved to be an effective measure to thwart the virus from perpetrating immeasurable catastrophe. However, newer variants of the virus making its presence felt on a perpetual basis have laid bare restrictions of government authorities around the world in eradicating the challenge for good. To proclaim complete annihilation of the virus appears to be quite premature as the virus is proving to be smarter, tackier, and well prepared to remain amidst us for a long haul.
- Needless to mention, apart from the vaccination, the only effective means to keep the virus at bay is to diligently observe the covid appropriate behavior vis-à-vis wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing, and frequent handwashing. These protocols have not changed even though necessities to ensure economic activities, as well as democratic processes roll, have forced the government authorities to move ahead. However, the past experience clearly indicates the election rallies during some of the state assemblies have contributed to spreading the virus menace unhindered.
PC: economictimes
- A case in point is the devastating second Covid wave simply paralyzing the healthcare infrastructure in April-May largely owing to teeming lakhs participating in the political rallies without any care for following the social distancing norms. Those super spreader rallies acted as a trigger for the second wave to take effect in no time. We all know at what great costs the country could crawl back post those horrific two months period. Again, some of the crucial state assembly elections are due in the next couple of months including the all-important states of Uttar Pradesh. Many political parties are already in the election mode with rallies and roadshows picking up the pace even before the election commission announces the dates.
- As such, all eyes will be on the Election Commission’s plan of action as announcing dates might only formalize the political parties from taking a further plunge into the hurly-burly of electioneering. As the Omicron concern prevails, it appears prudent to postpone the elections by a few months allowing the healthcare infrastructure to get tangible measures of the latest virus variant. If the EC decides to go ahead with business-as-usual manner, the spread of the virus will be quicker leading to unprecedented crises yet again. Cautiously waiting out for a few months would be wiser and more advisable for the EC rather than deciding to stick to the schedule. Hopefully, a better pragmatic sense prevails.
