TODAY -

Covid test a must for all incoming flights
State's low vaccination rate and increasing +ve rate throughout India with super spreader variants

Dr Th Suresh Singh *



India perspective : India is witnessing exceptional increase in Corona +ve cases. For 14 consecutive days, it is having more than 40,000 new cases per day since March 20. Out of this, more than 50,000 new cases are accounted in 11 days since 27 March with highest peak of nearly 1 lakh (93,249) on 4 April. 8/9 States are problematic with Maharashtra contributing more than 53% (49,447) and Mumbai having highest 1 day spike of 11,163 on 4 April.

Many States have started partial lockdown with Maharashtra leading with weekend lockdown throughout the State, closure of mall, restaurants etc.. Many States will follow the same as the mad virus had spread to many States and GOI not enforcing its discretionary power of limited lockdown in red States/areas and allowing the virus to spread further.

As on 24/3/2021, according to GOI source,-36 UK, 34 South African and 1 Brazilian variants were found. A total of 206 double mutant variants (E484Q+L452R) have also been detected in Maharashtra though the Centre maintains no direct link with the ongoing surge in the State. According to Punjab CM Amrinder Singh, 81% of She state’s samples are +ve for UK variants. Hence, we have to be super-vigilant.

Herd immunity : According to WHO - 'Herd immunity', also known as 'population immunity', is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection. For Sars-CoV-2, it is based on R0 (R nought) 2 and 3 i.e. number of secondary infections.

However, it is not static and depends upon many variables-viral mutation, physical distancing etc. Based on this R0, the community should have a threshold of around 60-70% of herd immunity to stop transmission. At present, we don’t have reliable all India herd community data with authority always hiding lacking data.

Many authors are of the view that “R-the effective reproduction rate’ to infection within a population due to vaccination or “Rt-R specified at a particular time” are better methods. In case of super-spreaders like UK variant, R0 is 7-8. It means 1 person can spread to 7 persons, then 7x7=49 and so on; not only more infection-it spreads very fast. Hence, those dealing with corona have to understand this danger.

Though the country had vaccinated around 7.6 crore people so far, it hardly covers about 21.4% of the 1st phase target of 30 crore in about 10 weeks since the beginning of the campaign. At this pace, it will require about 4 years to cover about 1.20 crore targeted population to achieve herd immunity explained above. Around 92.6 lakhs are fully vaccinated with 2 doses so far. By adding 2nd dose regime to this, one can imagine the number of years required to complete 2 jabs.

Manipur perspective : Though new cases are hovering around 10 and less per day in last 2 weeks, we have to be exceptionally careful. Our testing rate is very less when compared with other high profile States. But daily testing +ve rate at airport is high and is a cause of worry - on March 21, out of 1147 tested, 8 were found +ve.

On April 3, out of 49 tested-2 passengers were found +ve. Total no of air passengers found +ve so far are 35 out of 22,126 according to Health Deptt. sources. The number of active cases remain above 50 since 24 March.

All incoming air passengers be tested by TR–PCR and not by Rapid Antigen : The State is conducting testing of incoming passengers at airport from 8 sensitive States only at present. It will increase to 9 States according to Health Director. With rapid increase of new cases throughout many States, the writer’s plea is that all incoming air passengers be tested, and that too by RT-PCR, not by rapid antigen. When GOI has given instruction for Corona testing to all States by RT-PCR as far as possible, I have no idea why Manipur is conducting rapid antigen.

Manipur’s low vaccination status-a cause of worry: So far, we have vaccinated about 86,740 people-it includes about 31,600 health workers, 53,900 frontline workers, 600 co-morbidities and 1,500 above 60 years. We have to vaccinate about 60-70% of population to have a semblance of Herd (community) immunity, i.e. we have to vaccinate 18-21 lakhs of our population out of about 30 lakhs.

Presently, we have covered only 4.35% of this targeted population in about 11 weeks. God only knows when we will complete the targeted vaccination. It will take about 6-7 years to complete the target. Well that is the fact we have to live with.

Laudable thing : The most laudable thing is that of Biren Government’s prevention of Thabal Chongba and Lila Festival. It is timely and worth praising. But by this alone, we can’t prevent criss-crossing of people from one place to other. Many strategies are required to prevent the virus spread. Hence, the following treatment lines are kept forward for the authority to implement :

1. Test all incoming flight passengers by RT-PCR test and not by rapid antigen test. Till the result is out, they be kept in a corona waiting room specially arranged for them. Or, all air passengers may be asked to bring a corona –ve result by RT-PCR test., this is a better option. In the present scenario, GOI has instructed all States to do testing by RT-PCR as far as practicable.

Hence, one is at a loss why Manipur is not following GOI directive and continuing rapid antigen test. As stated in many of our write ups, rapid antigen test gives about 20-30% of false -ve result. In simple term - it means out of 100 +ve persons tested, it will give 20-30 persons as –ve corona result in spite of having +ve corona disease. Hence, it is not reliable and be discarded immediately. Rapid antigen test is meant for only for community survey.

2. Once the result is found +ve for corona, he or she be kept at a quarantine treatment centre/hospital till discharged.

3. No home isolation and home treatment for those not having proper facilities e.g. separate room, separate bathroom, adequate water supply, proper sanitary disposal etc. Not only me but many of my public health specialist colleagues are firmly of the view that this home treatment and home isolation without proper facility is the main reason for spread of corona not only in Manipur, but throughout India.

4. Home isolation and home treatment can however be continued for those having proper facilities. There is no harm in it provided the person follows strict protocol.

5. Basic principles of infectious disease control : Manipur, and in fact any State, should follow the basic principle of fighting infectious disease control i.e. case finding by house to house survey and by testing, treatment at appropriate place and preventive measures.

6. Strict fine for those not following SOP : The 3 basic principles of “use of mask, 6 feet physical distancing and frequent hand wash” are not adhered to by the majority of population. The population in general is now having a casual attitude to these 3 basic SOP, hence, strict fine/punishment has to be adopted by the authority.

7. Time for police and other para-military forces to strictly enforce SOP: These forces are also fed up of corona. The casual attitude is seen not only in the general population but in the forces as well while enforcing SOP. One can see many buses, autos, other 4 wheelers without physical distancing with about 70% of passengers not using mask. The police remain a silent spectator. Hence, time for the authority to overhaul these forces for effective SOP.

8. Strict SOP for Marriage , mapam chakkouba and other main festivals : On every occasion, it is found, on average, the presence of more than 300 people in one occasion. In VIP function, it is more than 1000. Out of this, about 70% have mask but with no physical distancing. It is a dangerous situation specially with the presence of super-spreader UK, South African and Brazil variants. Again time for Govt. to enforce strict SOP.

8. Daily coverage by newspapers, TV channels, other news channels reminding the public to follow SOP; The authority may appeal to these mass media groups to cover at least 3 times a day appealing the public to follow SOP.

If the authority follows these main treatment lines, the mad virus can be controlled. One should learn from past mistakes. We should strike before the virus strike us with a 2nd wave, and the sooner the better for all it would be.


* Dr Th Suresh Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on April 07 2021.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025