Srinagar: The second wave of COVID-19 has sent the alarm bells ringing. Schools turning into infection hotspots led to administration shutting down educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
An observer while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Shutting down schools is a first step. If the COVID cases keep on mounting the government would have to take harsh steps to contain the virus.”
He said, “The schooling in COVID times turned out to be a dangerous experiment as many students and staffers tested positive for the pestilence.”
Besides closing down the schools the government has issued instructions that number of people in the gatherings should not exceed 200. “We may see more restrictions being imposed in coming days as the cases are increasing at a rapid pace. Places which can turn into the hub of infection need to be closed down. People have to follow the COVID sops and take steps to remain safe. The pandemic is not over yet and it has raised its ugly head again,” the observer added.
He said, “It’s unfortunate that people are violating COVID-19 norms and seem least bothered. Minibuses are overloaded, markets remain crowded. Despite administration imposing fine on the people found without masks, many people can be seen with their faces open. People should realize that they have to follow the COVID sops for their own safety and not for anyone else.”
A video of Tulip Garden went viral on social media on Sunday. Hundreds of people had assembled in the famous garden on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar and social distancing norms were violated completely. “It looked more like a COVID festival and it seemed that people were extending an invitation to virus to visit their homes,” said an analyst.
He said, “The government has taken a bold decision by closing down the schools. It needs to take a similar decision vis-à-vis parks and gardens. After educational institutions these places can turn into new COVID hotspots.”
A medico said, “When the COVID arrived last year we were unaware about its nature and character. But after one year we know how to fight it. People should not shy away from getting vaccinated. They need to come forward as developing herd immunity is must to tackle the pestilence. We survived the first wave, we will face this second wave too but people and administration will have to cooperate and realize that prevention is better than cure.”
COVID-19 second wave: Schools shut, parks and gardens still open
