Of late, Jammu and Kashmir has reported a surge in covid-19 cases. In the last nearly a fortnight now, more than a thousand cases have been added to the burgeoning tally. From 39943 cases on September 3, the officially confirmed tally now stands at 56654. Jammu and Kashmir had cases in single-digit when tough lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of the virus. The death count was still to begin then and now presently the toll stands at 916. Opening up may seem counter-intuitive. After all, with more cases, shouldn’t people stay home? But this view ignores both science and financial health. It is clear that a majority of people who get infected are either asymptomatic, or have mild-to-moderate symptoms, and can recover with care and precautions. Also J&K’s death rate is lower than the national average as well as the global fatality rate which is encouraging. The recovery rate also continues to steadily increase which shows the limits of the disease. However this should not lead to complacency of any sort. At the same time, science gives enough evidence to show that infections need not necessarily translate into deaths. The second reason why opening up is essential is, of course, the economy. The view seems to be well recognized by the government also. Presently, the J&K is under phase 4.0 of unlock. As per guidelines, shops and business establishments open on alternative days a week. The scheme of things needs a rethink as shopkeepers and allied business units are finding it difficult to cope up with. If statistics give any measure, the odd-even opening has not yielded what the government would have hoped given the fact that covid-19 numbers are growing. In reality, the earlier the lockdown on account of the virus also did not fruity to the desired levels and success would be termed as modest especially due to meek testing. Amidst all this, science and economics shall dictate opening up with least or no restrictions. But as it does, there may be more cases. What is needed is that the government shall utilize all energy in increasing the health infrastructure to meet the challenges. On the other hand, people will have to exercise great responsibility. The pandemic is not over and the fact remains that there is need to be guarded. One cannot give a go by to social distancing and other measures such as wearing masks and following hand hygiene. While it seems time to rethink on keeping business shut for half a week, there is also a need for more vigilance from the government and responsibility from people.
