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What are the views of experts amid festive season?
- Committee warning – A government-appointed committee of doctors and scientists warned of a rapid surge of 26 lakh Coronavirus cases within a month if people show laxity in following COVID-19 protocol during the upcoming festive season and winter days.
- Kerala festive example– The epidemic curve of Kerala changed completely due to Onam festivities, when there were huge congregations of people convened in large numbers didn’t take precautions.
- States highlight recoveries over risk- States, anxious to present a picture of near-normality to boost economic activity, highlight recoveries over risk, which may lead the people to lower their guard.
- However, there are five States (Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal) and 3-4 Union Territories (UTs), where there is still a rising trend in daily cases.
What are the possible measures required to control the 2nd wave of COVID-19?
- Commercialized health system- The Centre should launch policy reform to transform a predominantly commercialized health system into one providing universal coverage.
- Self-discipline – If precautions are not taken, the situation can go out of hand with sudden rise of Covid-19 cases. Besides, people need to be extra cautious during the festival season and practice social distancing.
- Action against those found without masks at all public places.
Way forward-
- With loss of income and steep rise in health insurance premium, the cheapest protection against disease and financial loss is prevention.
- Government needs to make proper market arrangement for residents during the festival season and issue guidelines for social distancing and safety protocol.
