With Unlock comes greater responsibility for all

This picture has been used for representational purpose

The WhatsApp round about is not really known for wisdom. More for wisecracks, to put it kindly. Sometimes though this always churning factory gets it right.

The message on WhatsApp is just what the doctor ordered as the city begins Day 1 of unlocking to some extent. The message said that we must recall that Mumbai is simply out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and shifted into the ward. In reference to unlocking, it still has some way to go before it is discharged from the hospital. We need to follow Covid-apt norms so that we are not shunted back to the ICU.

The Federation of Retail Traders, an umbrella body of shops selling non-essentials as categorised by the government has also sent out a message of caution, stating that retailers have suffered tremendously. Now, it is up to the public to ensure we do not slide back.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that the state is taking what he called a calculated risk, with this measure and the onus is on the people to see that there is no going back to full lockdown. This is a classic let us wait and watch approach.

This edit space has earlier highlighted how, when it comes to the Covid situation, we need to always look ahead. See how concessions can happen faster and actually facilitate these with our behaviour. We are not out of the woods by a long way yet.

The horrors of the beginning of the second wave should still be fresh in our minds. Begging for beds, literally and figuratively gasping for oxygen, the mad scramble for remdesivir and tocilizumab… those who have gone through this, relatives or patients themselves, may be forever scarred.

Let every unlocking spur us on to put dedication, determination and discipline above all as we observe Covid protocol.