Is a 21-Day Lockdown Sufficient to Control the Spread of COVID-19 in India?

Current Situation and Initial Outbreak

Originally, a 21-day lockdown was expected to effectively control the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in India. However, the current situation has significantly altered this perspective. With the consistent influx of new cases, averaging around 200 cases per day, the initial duration of the lockdown no longer seems sufficient.

At the outset, the number of cases in India did not exceed 1,500. Fast forward to the end of the original 21-day period, the number of cases has surged to over 6,500. This rapid spread can be attributed in part to recent incidents, such as the accident in Delhi which, while not directly related to religious tensions, did accelerate the spread due to negligence and inadequate public health measures.

The involvement of non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian citizens returning from abroad further complicates the situation, as they might introduce the virus to new areas, increasing the risk of further spread.

Government Decision and Future Lockdown Duration

Given these circumstances, it is evident that a 21-day lockdown is not adequate to control the current spread of the virus. Therefore, the government may extend the lockdown to address the ongoing threats. However, any extension will likely target only the most affected areas or densely populated states, ensuring a more targeted and efficient approach.

Expectedly, Prime Minister (PM) is slated to address the nation regarding this situation, providing more concrete details on the planned lockdown duration and any further measures that will be taken. Till then, the focus remains on adhering to the instructions provided by the government.

Required Measures for the Upcoming Days

To ensure that the upcoming lockdown days are effective in containing the spread of the virus, several stringent measures need to be implemented:

Border Controls: Strictly close and monitor the borders of every village, town, and city. Ensure that all entrances and exits are thoroughly checked and managed. Disinfection: Thoroughly disinfect all areas, especially at the borders and outskirts, to eliminate potential virus hotspots. Health Checks: Conduct thorough health checks for all visitors entering the villages, towns, or cities to prevent the transmission of the virus. Sanitation and Hygiene: Clean public utilities and transportations are to be cleansed repeatedly to maintain a hygienic environment. Mandatory Masks and Gloves: Make the use of face masks and gloves compulsory for all commuters and office staff to boost public safety. Covering Dresses: Advertise the necessity of body-covers for the next two months, emphasizing the importance of bodily covering for public safety. Immediate Hygiene: Advise people to change and wash their clothes immediately after returning home and to take hot water baths to maintain hygiene. Supply Management: Ensure the availability of groceries and fresh vegetables through call services to limit unnecessary travel to markets. The prices should be controlled by the administrative authorities. Event Cancellations: Suspend marriages and large functions for the next few months, except for emotional or religious ones to minimize congregation. Religious Places: Close all devotional places except for morning and evening prayers, with supervision by administrative personnel. Public Transport:** Restrict public transportation to the bare minimum, with makeshift bus stands in place of current ones. Utilize present bus stands and airports for secondary markets for fresh goods. Air Travel:** Restrict the availability of train and flight bookings, ensuring health checks at airport and boarding points. Disinfect flights after each landing. Water Supply and Sanitation:** Maintain uninterrupted water supply and provide sanitizers and soaps in public conveniences, such as bus stands, railway stations, and airports. Public and Quarantine Facilities:** Utilize college and school grounds for public utilities to avoid crowded malls. Standby quarantine wards need to be available within short distances. Training of Health Workers:** Ensure that all medical services and health workers have adequate facilities to perform their duties effectively. Disaster Management:** Implement disaster management protocols, invoking special alert (144) with exemptions for emergency services.

Each individual has a role to play in preventing the spread of the virus, not only to protect their own health but also to prevent unknowingly contributing to the spread through the chain of transmission. It is crucial that every citizen understands and acts upon their responsibilities.