By: Afaq Bhat
Srinagar: As the temperature has started to surge in Kashmir, voices to throw open the public parks and picnic resorts in the Valley are becoming shriller, however, experts have warned that if social gatherings and other activities resume, it can lead to spike in COVID-19 cases.
During the past few days weather in Kashmir has become hot announcing the arrival of summer. This is the time when people used to go for picnics and visit different resorts to chill out, but since the outbreak of COVID-19 last year people have been confined within their homes.
A medico said, “Picnics and outings can wait till the Covid curve flattens. Opening public parks and picnic spots can lead to people gathering at one place and the positivity rate can increase. For the time being these places should remain closed.”
He said, “Wedding season has already commenced in Kashmir. People should bear in mind that too many people attending the wedding parties can lead to yet another catastrophe. Time is not ripe to throw big wedding parties. Nikkah can be performed simply.”
It’s in place to mention here that the experts have predicted that there is a possibility of a third wave of COVID-19 breaking out in the country and people need to take enough precautions to keep themselves safe. The vaccination drive has been intensified in states and union territories and people are being counseled to give up the vaccine hesitancy. “The vaccines only can help us to develop herd immunity. Till date no medicine has been found to treat Covid,” the medico added.
He said, ‘People who want parks and picnic spots to be thrown open should recollect the events which Kashmir witnessed before the second wave of COVID-19 hit the Valley in April this year. All of us need to develop patience if we want to remain safe as the virus has not gone anywhere. It can mutate anytime and reappear.”
An official said, “Administration is monitoring the situation closely. Lockdown restrictions have been relaxed. We will have to wait and see whether the positivity rate will keep on coming down or not. It’s too early to decide whether to open the parks and public places or not.”
He said, “No decision will be taken in haste and whatever is feasible will be done. The present period is crucial and we have to keep on monitoring the situation.”