#Lockdown What went wrong? - My perspective!
We went into lockdown too early probably and once we were in lockdown phase 1, we lacked the momentum/swiftness in tracing all the cases, their contacts and failed to isolate the symptomatic ones/ quarantine the asymptomatic ones well within time...and mind you by then the total no. of cases were in three figures only! Meanwhile we kept bringing stranded fellow Indians from foreign nations and let them go to their native places unrestricted! We should have made it mandatory to undergo 14 day quarantine (not home quarantine) for anyone who was travelling from abroad. After all corona virus didn't originate in India...It was clear from the begining that it has to come to India along with some foreign travellers returning home!
We ended/ eased the lockdown at the worst possible time! We did it when cases were still rising...it should have been when cases had at least plateaued or even better would have been when number of daily cases had started declining... Instead of containing and managing the spread of pandemic we unknowingly chose to spread it...by allowing people to migrate form one corner to another! We probably lost the resolve and buckled to the luring economic crisis...or probably got bored of staying home bound for too long...
Issues of Migrant labourers should have been dealt in a better manner...we could have done better at this front! They could have been given daily/alternate day jobs near their residences after daily temp & symptoms screening... we could have repaired our roads in lockdown when roads were deserted or renovated our office buildings which were vacant etc ... similarly construction work could have been permitted after necessary precautions...thus creating fair daily wage job opportunities for them... all it would have taken was screening! This way the inhuman migration would have prevented and also most of the marginalised families would not have gone to the brink of starvation! We anyhow, started doing all these (at least most of these) now when we have cases in six figures!! But it easier said than done...
We are still far away from herd immunity (number wise)...even if mortality in our geographic region is relatively lesser than western world...we should not forget that we have a huge population base! Even 0.01 % (considering critically ill cases) would mean 1,35,000!! As on April 2020 we only have approx. 95000 ICU beds and approx. 47,500 vents (public + Private)*! So by the time we attain the herd immunity level theses resources can easily be used up if we let down all our guards! Therefore, it’s imperative for us to strictly observe the preventive measures. Given the prolonged recovery time associated with critically ill patients you can well imagine what a messy scenario it’s gonna be!
Having said all the negative things, what we can do at our ends is simple!
a) Observe social distancing, wear masks whenever in public and wash hands/ sanitise with >65% alcohol containing sanitiser whenever you have moved around in office and come back to your desk! This is the only proven scientific way to prevent SARS -CoV 2 infection which leads to COVID 19 disease in few cases (20-30%).
b) Always assume that everyone is a potential corona carrier. This way you will be more likely to stick to the precautions advocated.
c) Remember that only portals of entry of corona virus are eyes, nose and mouth! So, avoid touching them when you are in public.
d) Have healthy diet. Don’t skip meals (specially breakfasts). Have fruits and lots of proteins. They boosts your immunity. Have foods rich in vitamin C (amla, lemon, citrus fruits-oranges, sweet lime etc).
e) Sleep well. Take at least 7-8hours of sleep daily. It not only helps your body to rejuvenate daily but also is essential for optimal functioning of immune system apart from improving your longevity, apetite and memory altogether!
f) Avoid chilled/cold foods and fluids. Sip Luke warm water frequently (hot water does no better!). Keep yourself hydrated.
g) If you have been suffering from any chronic illnesses particularly diabetes or Hypertension, keep them in check, take your medicines regularly, maintain healthy life style...Walk! Walk for 30min daily in the park or in your society compound or on your rooftop or if none is possible you can do figure of 8 walking in your drawing room! (CLICK HERE to find out its benefits!)
h) You can practise all things advocated by alternate system of medicines (AYUSH guidelines) - to a lesser or greater extent they will help you!
i) Stay positive. 70-80% cases are going to be asymptomatic. There is 8 out of 10 chance that you might get infected with SARS CoV-2 and you will recover with minor flu like symptoms or may even not notice them as well.
j) Sooner or later majority of us will get infected with Corona/ SARS CoV-2 virus! After all don’t forget, to attain herd immunity 70-80% population needs to get infected and recover!
k) Be watchful of your symptoms (fever/cough/ headaches/body aches/ breathing difficulties/ shortness of breath etc...once you notice any of them isolate yourself from your near and dear ones (stay in one room, wear mask at all times, don’t allow anyone to come near you) and contact your doctor/ healthcare provider ASAP.
“यक़ीनन वक़्त बहुत बुरा है जनाब,
एहसास तो सबको ही कराएगा...
बात इससे भी अच्छी यह है कि,
#Stay_Safe #Stay_Positive #COVID_Times_This too shall pass!
Dr. Virat Kuntalam
Senior Medical Officer
NDMC
