Covid-19 Smart Strategy Required

The second wave of Covid-19 and its impact on Kashmir economy can be managed by peoples’ participation and smart strategy, writes Syed Suhail Yaqoob

- Syed Suhail Yaqoob

The second wave of Coronavirus has taken India by storm. It was sure to come as the virus has inbuilt capacity to mutate. How we reached at this very level is anybody’s guess. The superstitions in particular and the conspiracy theories associated with the virus are seen as major contributor to this crisis. The situation took a grim turn when almost elections fury witnessed participation of millions of people.

The SOP’s associated with virus were thrown down to winds. No wonder now the whole health services seem to have crashed down like a pack of cards. The media reports have confirmed the hundreds of deaths particularly in the capital city of Delhi. The unofficial number is quite a bit higher. Observers have revealed that the virus has mutated and is more infectious than the first one. In fact, there may be many mutants present now. Although the virus in itself is not so infectious what makes it deadlier is the low quality of health services in India. No wonder media reports confirmed the lack of beds and oxygen cylinders even in best hospitals in the country.

A SECOND LOCKDOWN?

With rising infections and deaths the country may be nearing a second phase of lock-down. The official statements have although ruled out the policy of nationwide lock-down citing economic reasons. In the first phase of lock-down the country witnessed a 23% contraction in the economy. The estimates further revealed that the number of poor people increased in the country by almost 7.5 crore within the lock-down days. It is estimated that the number of poor people (with income less than $2 (Rs 150) or less in a day) in the country increased from 6 crores to 13.4 crores.