Can't ignore need for stringent containment measures
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: July 14, 2022 -
TRUE to the apprehension, the government has ordered closure of schools and anganwadi centres till July 24 to protect the unvaccinated children as the fourth wave of Covid-19 brings back the bitter memories and experiences that the masses encountered in the previous waves.
It is obvious that decision by both the Education Department and the Social Welfare Department to cease operation of schools and anganwadi centres was taken in view of the gradual increase in the number of positive cases on a daily basis in the state.
Of course, the evolving dreadful situation is not confined to Manipur alone for almost all other states in the northeast region are also experiencing resurgence of the contagion weeks after remaining free from the viral disease.
As on date, Manipur is the first state to shut down the schools in order to facilitate the healthcare workers to tackle the situation before it is too late.
However, it remains to be seen how effectively the Health Department contains the fresh bout of the outbreak.
In case the authorities falter in comprehending possible deterioration of the situation and do not initiate aggressive contact tracing of the vectors, then it could be safely stated that shutting down the schools wouldn't make much of a difference as had been witnessed during the past waves when no physical classes were conducted in all the educational institutions but the cases continued to spiral and many a lives were lost, due to suspected medical negligence, shortage of hospital personnel and deficiency of infrastructures to tackle the unprecedented health crisis.
Taking into account of the fact that Covid cases are rising in almost all the north-eastern states where authorities in most states are yet to take any effective precautionary measures, including making wearing of the face mask mandatory, it is desired that the government of Manipur maintain strict vigil at all the entry points to keep the situation, at-least under a manageable level.
Regardless of the Health Service director Dr K Rajo recently sharing his observation that cause for surge in fresh cases can't be blamed on returnees or people with travel history, it is hard to digest that the fresh outbreak could be from within the state, where it was officially declared to be virus-free nearly three months back.
Moreover, had the health department authorities carried out aggressive contact tracing when the first new case was detected then it is quite possible that situation wouldn't have worsened as it is at the juncture.
As health experts from across the world had been advocating test, track and treatment procedures as the best steps to contain the infectious disease, it is possible that failure to adopt the strategy in time is one of the factors for the state to stare at yet another bout of health crisis.
Predictably, public complacency regarding Covid appropriate behaviour would be cited if the cases continue to increase and as such it is desired that the government mandates wearing of face mask mandatory in public places and restrict large gathering of people for religious, recreational or any other avoidable events.
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