While Unlock 5 is intended to get the economy going, can we strictly follow protocols? Or else we could end up like the UK
Though India has over 62 lakh Coronavirus cases and has suffered 97,000 casualties, the poor state of the economy and rampant joblessness have forced the Government to announce Unlock 5 protocols for saving livelihoods. The new guidelines facilitate economic activity even as health experts have warned of a deepening emergency and the already creaking healthcare infrastructure, now stretched to breaking point. However, the Government seems to have given in to the pressure by cinema owners, who have been crying foul as their establishments have been closed since March and are piling up massive losses. So, as a result, cinemas, theatres and multiplexes outside containment zones can reopen with up to 50 per cent seating capacity from October 15. Schools can also reopen in a graded manner. However, this will be done in consultation with the management of these institutions and State Governments. Attendance will not be mandatory and the last call on this matter will be taken by parents. But given India’s obsession with percentages and rankings, it will not come as a surprise to anyone if schools arm-twist reluctant parents into sending their wards, especially those from class IX onwards. The good thing is that the Government is encouraging the hybrid mode of learning. Post-graduate students and research scholars (Ph.D.) pursuing their education from higher education institutions dedicated to research in the science and technology stream can heave a sigh of relief as they will be allowed to undertake laboratory and experimental works from October 15. However, students from other streams will have to wait. The drowning MICE sector has something to cheer about as Business to Business (B2B) exhibitions will be permitted now as will the opening of entertainment parks and similar places. Besides, States have the flexibility to relax the limit of 100 people at public gatherings that are outside containment zones, a concession for the festive season. Sadly, for the aviation and tourism industry, restrictions on international travel will continue as India has air bubbles with 13 countries at the moment.
Though this mass opening up may be good for the economy, is it good for the health of the nation is the big question on everyone’s minds. Despite our graded approach, our caseload has spiked exponentially and today we are rubbing shoulders with the worst-hit country, the US. Besides, as the resurgent second wave and new lockdowns in Europe and US have shown, do we have the healthcare infrastructure to deal with an autumn swamp? also, pandemic tiredness has meant that people are openly flouting masking and social distancing rules. It’s a catch-22 situation for the Government and we seem to be headed UK’s way if we don’t discipline ourselves where COVID protocols are concerned.
