Micro management of the pandemic, calling for localised efforts, is important to arrest the spread of covid-19.
As data bears out, covid-19 cases are rising. Though the numbers are not alarming, the situation should warrant a rise in vigilance levels.
During the review meeting last week, the Lt Governor said that the third wave can be tackled effectively by maximizing vaccine coverage, implementing strict containment measures, and strict adherence to Covid protocol.
He said that “we must not let our guard down. The government is putting various health and social measures in place to contain the spread and people must practice the protective behaviours. I urge people to get vaccinated and adhere to the guidelines.
As has been rightly observed by him, there is need to adopt a preemptive approach to overcome any future health challenges and as such district administration needs to ensure proper functioning of critical care equipment.
Also importantly is need for micro-containment. Specific areas where a number of Covid-19 cases have been reported recently are known as micro-containment zones. Unlike containment zones, the objective is to cause less disruption to normal life and economic activity, while also containing the outbreak of COVID-19 in the defined geographic area. Medical experts believe that ‘micro containment zones’ should be the way forward as it will curb the infection spread and also allow activities to go on. This approach is needed in areas where cases spike.
The government need to ensure that contacts are on home quarantine and use 3 layered surgical masks at all times. They need to be educated on proper use and disposal of masks as well precautions to be taken. The family also needs to be educated for measures while taking care of persons under home quarantine.
The prime objective of the government should be to stop crowds from gathering at busy places.
There is a need for assessing the surveillance activities being conducted in the districts. There is also a need to scale up the surveillance exercises besides contact tracing which must be done at a 1:15 ratio to break the spread chain of the pathogen.
Besides increasing vaccination, there is a need to guard against complacency and laxity, which creeps in as positivity declines. Efforts must be stepped up to prevent any probable future surge.