01 January,2022 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar Menon
This picture has been used for representational purpose
As Covid-19 cases surge rapidly, with Delta and Omicron being the most prevalent variants, healthcare experts caution the workforce to follow safe working and commuting practices to prevent a lockdown, as it would not only harm the economy but also cause adverse impact on mental health.
"Covid safety of the workforce and children/adolescents has become a serious concern once again... They are in a dilemma about the return to work/study from home," said Dr Subhash Hira, professor of Global Health at University of Washington-Seattle.
"Moreover, due to the slow process of genome sequencing across 28 laboratories, India has recorded only 961 Omicron cases after testing 58,240 samples in the past 26 days. By comparison, 70-85 per cent of the new cases in the US and Europe are caused by Omicron. Scientists are wondering if this glaring difference is because of the varied efficacies of different vaccines," he added.
Dr Wiqar Shaikh, professor of Medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, said several states have put restrictions on New Year festivities and have also announced mini lockdowns, closing down malls, spas, gyms, theatres and multiplexes, schools and colleges, and added that he was surprised.
He fears the states and even the Centre may go for a strict lockdown like the one imposed in 2020. The past two lockdowns already took a heavy toll on the economy and the psyche of people, particularly children, he added. People, he said, have to earn to live, and lockdowns have knocked out a lot of jobs.
He added that lockdowns are being imposed without scientific evidence. He cited two articles - one by the African Development Review published in July 2021 and another by the American Institute of Economic Research published in December 2020 and later updated in 2021. Both concluded that lockdowns did not control the spread of Covid-19.
Dr Shaikh said he also fears a repeat of the early 2021 when several states went to polls. "Covid-19 safety rules had gone for a toss during the rallies, and the consequence was the Delta wave that killed and infected lakhs of people. We once again have elections in some states and rallies have begun. With the onset of the third wave, mainly fuelled by Omicron, one shudders to think what would be the impact of these rallies," he said and urged the authorities to have a uniform policy for both the common man and the political class.
Dr Sanjay Kumavat, senior psychiatrist and former deputy director (Mental Health), Maharashtra, said, "It is unfortunate that the state administration has failed drastically to enforce Covid-19 protocols at the ground level, and it is being shielded by the government which is threatening yet another lockdown. It would lead to further mental health issues like depression, emotional distress and even social agony."
Kumavat said his friend flew to Indore from Mumbai two days ago with a negative RT-PCR report and his final vaccination certificate, but these were neither checked while entering the Mumbai airport nor while exiting the Indore airport. Even the recent wonderland (Bandra reclamation) gathering shows a total system failure.
"The state government must ensure Covid-19 protocols are followed stringently, instead of giving a knee-jerk reaction by calling for a lockdown. A lockdown won't work this time. The first one led to massive job losses, migrant exodus and adversely impacted the economy."
Dr Santosh Bansode, HoD, Emergency Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said, "People should avoid mass gatherings, New Year parties or any function with mass gatherings. Travel should be restricted as much as possible. Employers should encourage their staff to work from home or work with half the strength. Properly fitted mask is a must while travelling and at work. Physical distancing and hand hygiene are crucial. If an employee or their relative tests positive, they should isolate for a week and inform their HR."
