Sir,

COVID-19 caused by the Novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has brought difficulties to common man across the globe and restricted their movement at all levels. The complete lockdown of the country could reduce the rate of virus spread considerably, which resulted only in a few hundreds of new cases per day, unlike thousands of new cases being reported daily in many European countries and the United States of America, which are battling with COVID-19.

If we compare the total number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the world (14.70 lakhs and 86.3 thousands, respectively) and the number of cases and deaths in our country (5,274 cases and 149 deaths, respectively, as on 8th April, 2020), these are highly insignificant. It is really a great achievement in containing the virus spread, especially if we compare the population size of our country and living conditions, hygiene levels with that of other severely affected nations.

Police are trying their best to implement the lockdown to safeguard the public and ensuring free movement of essential things. For this they are finding innovative ways to educate about the importance of lockdown and sending them back.

Medical fraternity is working hard to reduce its impact on the affected people and Governments are trying hard to contain its spread by adopting various methods. Many of them stopped going home to avoid possible spread of the virus to their near and dear or neighbours.

However, it is very unfortunate that even now many educated people are not following social distancing when they are out for purchasing the essentials. It is feared that virus can easily spread with such action if any one of them is carrying the Coronavirus in them, especially when reports are out with COVID-19 in asymptomatic cases.

Many youths are seen riding triples. There are photos both in print media and in news channels showing even ladies moving triples along with several children. This shows the careless attitude of such citizens.

Unless we follow the social distancing very strictly, there is every chance of increasing the number of COVID-19 cases forcing the Government to extend the lockdown for many more weeks to come. If people wish to come out of the lockdown at the earliest, it is mandatory to follow the guidelines issued by the Government, like staying at home and maintaining the social distance, when they come out for any exigencies.

– Dr. S.V.N. Vijayendra, Roopanagar, 9.4.2020

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