Covid-19 infections and the death toll continue to rise alarmingly. In the last three weeks alone, at least 82 people have died while more than 3600 new cases were added up to the tally in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the times of unlock 2.0, the statistics would show, not only in J&K but globally including India, the pandemic is spreading very fast. As if the summer heat has invigorated the virus, June alone accounted for 60% of all cases reported so far.
In fact, the acceleration of fresh cases began in the first week of May and increased sharply in June.
It is important to note that dithering on testing, tracing, isolating and treating will inevitably lead to uncontrolled spread and increased deaths. There is a threat that it may undermine the past and present efforts to contain the pandemic. The figures seem overwhelmingly high and give a sense that the pandemic spread, in absence of vaccine or drug, cannot be controlled. However, China, Italy and Spain have demonstrated that it is possible to bend the curve through a comprehensive approach that is centred on testing as well as taking precautions. The people in these countries seem to more sensitivity as against their counterparts in this part of the globe including Jammu and Kashmir as is indicated by the public behavior in markets and on the roads. Hardly anyone seems to be following standard safety measures which pose a challenge to all as a society. Recent researches by scientists and WHO’s acknowledgment of the airborne nature of the virus makes wearing masks and maintaining required hygiene more imperative. Life is precious, so is the family. In combination, they are the most prized possession for every individual. The question for the administration, and also for the people is to understand collective apathy towards the consequences of the pandemic. The Government has time and again issued guidelines and even warned to penalize those who observe them in breach. However, there is a lack of action against offenders. Barring few challans here and there, the administration has been found wanting to enforce the guidelines especially as regards wearing of the masks. The administration and people must comprehend that the price of negligence is huge. It can bring about a catastrophe. Allowing the virus to spread rapidly is fraught with danger and its consequences, beyond any shadow of doubt, could be disastrous. The government needs to act in the manner as is required of it to meet the challenges while people are advised to follow the advice.
Infections, Deaths Peaking
