Jammu and Kashmir is all set to have fresh guidelines as part of the 5th phase of unlock later this week.
The administration in all probability would allow further expansion of public activity mainly in education, and businesses.
The announcement comes at a time when novel coronavirus transmission is steady in most parts of J&K. In twin capital cities, Jammu and Srinagar, the numbers are rising with the former having nearly 16000 and the latter 15000. As one would expect, these capital cities are witnessing larger activities in terms of businesses and commuting. The numbers have been comparatively lesser in rural areas recently and the harvesting season has proved somewhat blessing in disguise as families are confining to a particular area and remain together. The crop season nears an end and cases may see surge in the cases again.
In other words, there is a possibility of surge in rural areas as the movement of people and interaction will resume.
The Community spread is bound to become more complicated since the government blames careless attitudes for continued transmission.
Also, more activities are sure to resume soon given the fact that the government of India has left the decision of reopening schools and coaching centres after October 15 for students who wish to optionally attend. Schooling for secondary class students with the prior consent of parents has not fructified. Recently, new research evidence based on data from two states pointed out to a higher prevalence of infection among children who were contacts of virus cases in the same age group. The risk surrounding enclosed spaces and transmission from asymptomatic individuals is real and it should never be ignored. Rather there is a need to be alert and take corrective measures.
One cannot delay the movement of people is essential for economic reasons. The use of public transport has become unavoidable. However, the administration needs to take some action against recalcitrant people who do not wear masks, even on buses and crowd commercial locations.
There is a need for focusing on improving the understanding of the health impacts of the pandemic. As reflected in statements by the officials, there has been more emphasis on a large number of recoveries which invariably leads to encouraging people to lower their guard. There is a need to focus on preserving health needs until a medical breakthrough on covid-19 the vaccine is made. Vulnerable people need to be protected.
