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CAN PARTIAL LOCKDOWNS PROVE TO BE EFFECTIVE?

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/20/2021 12:06:20 PM

While India is witnessing the second wave of rising in COVID infection across the country, the administration has, yet again, opted to impose either partial or complete lockdowns in some parts. This time around, the daily surge in reported positive cases has been alarmingly high, as the nation records well over 2.5 lakh COVID infection daily, way higher, almost double of the highest reported figures amidst the first wave of infections. Normalisation of public activity may be pointed out as one of the factors responsible for this surge yet again. However, it accounts for way less as several other factors have caused this rise, which usually goes under the radar. Public responsibility and discipline are critical to controlling such a lethal pandemic. But we should remember, it’s just a spoke in the wheel. Unless the entire framework is fixed, it is almost impossible to get the wheel back on track. Creating a pointless panic amongst the general public isn’t the way out. It will just make the situation even worse. It has been more than a year since the country has somewhat been running under restrictions. Now that normalisation seemed to be around the corner, the second wave has seemingly washed away all the hopes. Media houses have played almost a negatory role amidst the pandemic, especially this year. While the mainstream media outlets nearly rejected the concern of the pandemic, covering various election campaigns and rallies, now the second wave is showcased somewhat similar to doomsday by the same media. It is unfortunate to have such media houses in a democracy. It sends a clear signal: politics is a priority, people and their lives are not. While the rallies with lakhs of participants was never a concern, schools and colleges were. While the majestically massive Kumbh Mela was never a concern, even the smallest of social gatherings in other parts became a huge one. Government's stance on such topics seems a bit sceptical and hypocritical, for the least. Although it's critical to maintain social distancing and follow other COVID norms, imposing lockdowns are not the solution. In fact, it never was. Last year around this time, lockdowns were a calculated and thoughtful decision to prepare for the pandemic as our medical infrastructure was not sufficient enough. This time around, it seems nothing but foolish when half the country is locked up, and the other half participates in gatherings like the Kumbh. All of this will have a devastating economic and financial consequence on our enormous population, especially the economically weaker ones.