‘Easing lockdown doesn’t mean COVID-19 has gone’   


Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, May 22: The government after nearly two months of country-wide lockdown has eased the restrictions and an attempt is being made to bring the life back on track.
During the past few days slew of measures have been announced by the government to bring the things back on track. Will the move work or backfire? It remains to be seen.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought life to a standstill across the globe. India announced the lockdown soon after the pandemic reached the country. It has helped in saving lives and prevent the community transmission.”
He said, “There has been no let up in the number of positive cases yet. Even today more than 6000 cases were reported across the country. But the death rate is under control. From Monday onwards domestic flights will resume and Indian Railways also has announced that time-tabled trains will run from June 1. The RBI has also extended 3-month loan holiday.  It appears that the government has taken a chance to push the COVID-19 on the backfoot.”
Referring to the prediction of experts and medicos that the COVID-19 curve will flatten in June month, the analyst said, “Everyone is hoping what experts have predicted comes true. The way things have started moving are an indication that the helmsmen have decided to take the virus head on. Casualties being under control has emboldened the government to relax the restrictions.”
An observer said, “Easing lockdown is a gamble. If the curve flattens it would mean that India has been able to defeat the virus without a vaccine and any specified medicine. But if the move backfires it can lead to a catastrophe, which we cannot afford. The government needs to tread cautiously.”
Referring to the situation in Kashmir, the observer said, “J&K’s tally is nearing 1500 mark. Not a single day passes without cases being reported from one or other region. The areas which have been declared Red Zones are still under strict restrictions. People are not being allowed to move as per their will. With Eid-ul-Fitr round the corner job of the administration has become more difficult as people want to come out and make purchases for the festival. Till date a few bakers and a mutton seller have tested positive and this has sent alarm bells ringing across the Valley.”
The observer said, “People of Kashmir need to bear in mind that the threat is very much alive and the COVID-19 has not gone. They cannot become complacent. The forthcoming Eid is not a normal Eid. Precautions have to be taken to remain safe.”

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