In the last few days, there has been spurt in daily covid-19 cases across India. Many states or UTs have already enforced restrictions of varying degrees. There is an additional threat to tackle this time due to the Omicron variant of the Sars-CoV-2 virus which is driving the higher cases in most parts of the globe. It already threatens to hit the economic activities.
The experience of the first and second waves shows that lockdowns – national or state level – have caused irreparable damage to millions of livelihoods.
With the rise in cases, there is going to be a fresh slowdown. It could be worse than expected as economic activities are bound to take a hit in view of the restricted inter-state and intra-state movement of people. The sharp rise in the caseload, particularly of the Omicron variant, has already prompted several states to enforce restrictions.
The administration in J&K has already restricted non-essential movement from 9 pm to 6 am in the entire J&K till further orders amid spike in cases—418 reported on Wednesday and 349 on Thursday alone with active case tally crossing 2000 mark after a long hiatus.
A traders body here said that an analysis of the spread of 3rd Covid Wave in Jammu & Kashmir can be directly linked to ignoring prescribed protocols by certain individuals.
“Now, after the previous lockdown stands squandered away and Kashmir is in a worse situation than ever before.” it said. The society is facing the threat of 3rd Covid Wave and the need of the hour is to collectively and sensibly fight it.
Chief Secretary a couple of days ago chaired a meeting and among others asked the Health and Medical Education Department to scale up testing to reach a target of 2 lakh tests per day with a proportional increase in RtPCR tests.
He also asked the department to ramp up medical facilities and prepare for catering to any surge in reported cases of infections. Besides, he asked the department to stock up on medical supplies and keep all equipment, machinery, and infrastructure in a state of readiness.
If there is continuous increase in cases, the government may be pushed to take some strict measures in terms of curbs. However, as has been urged by the traders’ body, the same should be done in consultation with traders and business community besides other stakeholders.
