Lockdown to relaxed lockdown
The government was extremely quick to announce the lockdown - at 8pm on 20th, for the lockdown to start from 21st. Testing and isolation of Covid patients and supply of some free food to some has been the positives. But, this cannot continue for long. Now, instead of continuously extending the lockdown, the governments (Center and State) need to sit down, along with the industries, transportation etc. to see how a planned relaxation is done. Otherwise, as is happening in at least one state, the CM announces some relaxation, people welcome it and the next moment he withdraws the relaxations. Yes, there will be some risks, but then and only then will the government know if what has been learnt in the past one month is working or not. For this, there has to constant vigil and tight enforcement of social distancing, hygiene, with heavy penalities (not just warnings) of violators. Otherwise, waiting for the virus to go away completely or until a vaccine is found or until people adhere to all the lockdown rules will not dwell well with the population that we have. more
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The state goverment needs to take calls on what and how much to relax. In Karnataka, a committee gave a reasonably good proposal for an initial relaxation. But, the government did not take it up and maintained the status quo of the lockdown. Now, they are waiting for the center to decide which s not appropriate. Asking companies to house the personnel in their premises will not work. Ask them to provide transportation or you provide transportation. Essential services is not food alone. At this time, pest control is an essential service. Plumbers, electricians should be allowed to atttend to repairs at least. On the one hand, politicians themselves are violating the lockdown. The government should now be in the enforcement of social distancing, hygiene, unnecessary travel (4 of a family riding in a bike??) in public places and testing and isolation of covid cases. They need to also ensure that supply chain barriers are removed. many farmers are leaving their produce to rot, since there they are not being picked up by transporters. All the rules need to percolate to the ground level so that citizens are not harassed unnecessarily and at least some necessary businesses and service start. more
Apr 22
I appreciate the points raised by Mr Padmanabhan G. Govt. should not put burden on employers, which does not appear practical. Instead an employee who wish to join his company/establishment should get himself certified as free from Covid-19 and give undertaking to the employer that the latter would not be held responsible if the former is found suffering from Covid-19. In the present times of the crises if an employer is required to run his business, it is also the duty of an employee to keep the show running and cooperate with the employer observing all the rules of the game. more
Apr 22
I believe Central Govt. is doing its best and taking informed decisions after taking note of overall view. more
Apr 22
Districts/towns without any case since past 14 days, can be opened for activity, which is non-contact (no barbershop for example, restaurants providing only take away), keeping social distancing, hand washing, sanitizing rules. Maybe businesses can be asked to maintain records of employee temperature, health, daily sanitation. To start with such activity may be limited to the hours 10am to 5pm. After another 14 days of no case, further relaxation may be provided. more
Apr 22
The onus is equally on us to maintain the social distancing, while stepping out to carry our daily chores. Since even 1 person can infect 650 persons in 3 weeks time. While our own lives are precious our own society is equally important to be saved from this pandemic. Hence it is utmost urgent for all of us to start day to day business and still maintain the health of ours & others by following the baseline instructions. On a side note: John Hopkins University research has indicated a scary picture by stating that nearly 25 Crore people in India will be affected during (Apr-Jun'20) timeline, however that can not be taken at the face of it, but at the same time, we need to be careful, while State & Central Governments are ensuring our safety. Very important points you have raised to remind all of us in such a time. more
Apr 22
