COVID 19 - THE SECOND WAVE

When COVID 19 first began spreading last year the government imposed a lockdown. People were forced to stay indoors unless they had some urgent work to do. So the contact between people was much less and this helped to reduce the spread of the virus. But the lockdown hurt the people too. Many workers from other states could not return to their homes because there was no transport facility. They were unemployed and far from home. They were running out of money and many decided to walk long distances to their homes. Some rode bicycles. Most shops were closed. Only some shops selling essential items and medicines were allowed to remain open. People had less money to buy stuff. The economy was badly hit.

Till recently the situation was improving and cases were coming down. When vaccines became available, people expected life to get back to normal soon.

Now a second wave has started. COVID 19 is back with a vengeance. The cases are rising rapidly. It could be due to the crowding of people at the campaign rallies during the recent state elections and the large gatherings at religious festivals. Only a small percentage of the population has been vaccinated. Even some of those who have been vaccinated have tested positive and had to be hospitalised. This is not surprising since none of the vaccines are 100% effective. Moreover newer variants of the virus have made an appearance. Some cities do not have sufficient facilities at the hospitals to cope with the situation. There is a shortage of hospital beds, oxygen cylinders etc.

It is difficult for the government to go for another countrywide lockdown since the economy is already in bad shape. Some cities have imposed a lockdown. We have a weekend lockdown in our state. So we don’t go out on Saturdays and Sundays. If the situation does not improve we may see another nationwide lockdown.

Recently a doctor on TV suggested that we need not wait for the government to impose a lockdown. He said we could have a self-imposed lockdown. We could stock up on essential stuff and remain at home till the situation improves. Go out only if absolutely necessary. It made sense but for those who need to work to make ends meet, it will be difficult.

 

N.B.  According to a mail I received from Google the ‘follow by email’ function will not work after July 2021.