Safe better than sorry - need to exercise caution
- Imphal Times Editorial :: April 22 2020 -

The state, as is some parts of the country which were fortunate enough to avoid the vagaries of the pandemic which is still tearing through the establishments of the world, is trying to ease back to a semblance of normalcy.

The decision to reopen certain sectors for operations, albeit with restrictions is not an indication that the danger has past.

It should rather be viewed as an effort to repair the society and prepare for any contingencies in the future.

While the world is divided on the genesis and characteristics of the virus that is still wreaking havoc around the world, we should be prepared for worse days while hoping for a breakthrough in the present fight.

Meanwhile, reports of around eighty percent of the infected people remaining asymptomatic should be given due attention and random testing should be carried out or increased as much as possible to prevent any possible surge in infection if indeed the reports turned out to be true.

To cite an example which corroborates the report, 53 scribes from various media organizations tested positive for the novel coronavirus when the TV Journalist Association (TVJA) with the help of state government organized a testing camp as precautionary measure, and most of the cases are asymptomatic.

The authorities cannot be too careful, and at this juncture prevention remains the only effective and safe option of staying away from the dreaded virus.

The danger is still very real and immediate, and the state authorities should make arrangements to cope with any eventualities on a large scale while the situation is still calm and contained.

The unfavourable geopolitical location and slow rate of infrastructural development in the state which has been considered a bane in this present world has perhaps turned out to be a boon as the trend and rate of infection and transmission in developed cities and metropolis is considerably higher across the globe.

There is also the grave concern when it comes to the civic sense or the lack thereof of a large section of the public.

The recent fracas witnessed when the state government decided to lift the public restrictions for a short while should be kept in mind while chalking out a plan to deal with the public which should be practical, unambiguous and systematic.

Ad-hoc arrangements and oft-experienced lack of coordination amongst the various state authorities creates more confusions and frustrations rather than ease them.

Bottomline is, the present pandemic has shown the world the way forward. If humans have to survive and thrive, nature should be preserved and our actions should complement it.

Our present views and perceptions regarding development and progress need a serious rethinking.

Personal and social discipline, foresightedness and proactive attitude both at the personal and administrative level has emerged as vital traits for survival, and, cooperation and coordination has become the deciding factor for our personal and social welfare.

In fact, we are going back to the basics which we have so conveniently and arrogantly dismissed amidst the growing false sense of invincibility brought about by the rapid technological, medical, financial and social changes.

All it takes is an invisible submicroscopic primordial being not even considered fully alive to put humans in its place.