One of the chief reasons why the Itanagar Capital Region has remained the number one Covid hotspot in the state during the 2nd wave is that the chain of transmission has become notoriously lengthy. The process of lengthening surely started with the onset of winter and with denizens taking it for granted that all is over, lowered their guards. It can also be presumed that it was then the B.1.617.2 strain, having more spreading and harm-inflicting capabilities than its predecessor made a silent entry in the state. It went undetected, just like in most other parts of the country only since a 'proper hunt' was missing. Reduction in testings allowed it to go undetected for a long time, during which it did all the harm it can. The ICR lockdown has been extended for a week more and there was no other choice. Saturday's high-level meeting on capital lockdown has taken the decision to ramp up Covid testing and accelerate the vaccination process. The two-pronged strategy is welcome. However, keeping in consideration that the battle with Covid is long, the sense of urgency should not be limited to these 7 days alone. Until all eligible denizens in the capital are inoculated and the target for testing reached, the strategy must remain in force.

 

Management of lockdown, just within a year of the encounter with the pandemic has evolved as something quite specialized and it wouldn't elicit a big surprise if it becomes an inseparable part of the subject of Public Health Engineering/Management very soon. If a lockdown is managed well, in ICR's case which is expanding the radii of testing and vaccination, the gross medical benefits derived can sustain over a longer period of time. However, as the pandemic keeps on teaching lesson after lesson, the fact that becomes pretty clear is that unless there is a dedicated participation by people, for the administration single-handedly, it will be impossible. The tendency of evading Covid tests might have been successful in 2020 as the strain then was comparatively less destructive than B.1.617.2, the dominant one now. This time however, there will be no such hiding opportunities. While talking about vaccination, the state, like most others is dependent on the Centre. On Sunday the Union Health Ministry informed that 12 crore vaccine doses will be available in June. Hopefully, Arunachal gets it due share at the correct time.

 

The battle against Covid is not a T-20 match. It's long and just as a drop in cases or casualties shouldn't be interpreted as a win, a surge also doesn't mean the end of the world. The week ahead will be much crucial for the state capital. All targets need to be pursued with extra zeal.