Virus scare yet again
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: July 09, 2022 -
ONE can't help but suspect that the Covid fourth wave has already reached the state if one takes note of the fact that new positive cases are being detected in double digits for nearly a week now.
Having faced the brunt of the contagion, particularly during the virulent second wave, when daily cases regularly hovered over the thousand mark and fatalities used to be the norm, it is obvious that to the general population the evolving situation wouldn't be So scary.
Unlike the first wave of Covid-19 wherein government authorities across the world resorted to protracted lockdown to contain further spread of the viral disease, but to no avail, as well as during the second wave when there were restrictions in almost every sector, the third wave was marked by complacency on the part of both the public and the governments as bringing the economy back on track was accorded priority.
Like in most states which had ordinary healthcare infrastructure, the government of Manipur too ramped up the healthcare infrastructure and recruited healthcare personnel on contract basis in addition to cautioning the citizens to adhere to safety protocols as the contagion showed no signs of relenting.
Fortunately, there were huge sighs of relief when the last patient was discharged in May and the state was declared Covid-19 free, though cases continued to crop up occasionally in some mainland parts of the country where people of Manipur often travel for business, healthcare, educational and political purposes.
With all the restrictions lifted, no one cared whether or not those entering Manipur are infected with the highly contagious disease.
Such free passage to and from Manipur could be exactly the reason why the state is presently witnessing spurt in detection of fresh cases, subsequently compelling the government authorities to review the situation and order resumption of the sample testing at all the entry points.
That the state is on the verge of explosion of cases could be comprehended from the daily test positivity remaining in the range of 7 to 10-plus test positivity rate for the past few days.
It must be noted here that as per the observation of health experts test positivity rate above 5 per cent means aggravation of the situation and possibility of the situation going out of control, in case the government authorities continue to sleep over the matter.
Even more worrisome aspect of the Covid-19 situation at the juncture is that the new cases are no more confined to Imphal residents but also detected in outlaying districts.
In view of the new cases cropping up after weeks of the state remaining free from the contagion, it is obvious that resurgence of the viral disease is due to import by travellers.
Thus, as had been frequently commented in this column, the government needs to review the policy of testing incoming passengers, allowing them to stay under home isolation and advising them to keep a tab on signs and symptoms of infection.
While it is expected that those advised home isolation would venture out till confirmation of his/her health status, it is hard to believe that the particular individuals wouldn't intermingle with their family members and the latter too would stay indoors.
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