We have come a long way since early 2020, when the entire world seemed helpless infront of a formidable foe-- the novel coronavirus. Fast-forward two years, things have hugely improved with an effective line of treatment understood and vaccines to the rescue. The large body of study on the coronavirus has made the scientific and pharmaceutical community understand it better and work on an effective antidote.

However, it is also amply clear that the virus is not going anywhere and we have to learn to live with it. India is facing a third wave driven by the Omicron variant which is resulting in Covid cases once again surging. Arunachal since the past weeks is witnessing a steady surge in Covid cases with the positivity rate over 20 per cent. In the earlier two waves, especially the first wave, the situation was completely different but we need to be better prepared at handling the third wave.

Have we learnt our lesson? Yes and no. 

There is a section of people who carefully follow respiratory hygiene and standard operating procedures then there is that incorrigible group which till believe that Covid is a scam. The government has upgraded district hospitals, calibrated vaccination process but it has also faltered on policies and action.

Society today swings between the two extremes of unreasonable panic and wanton carelessness. The path to follow though is the middle one. State government must take decision after studying the evolving situation and ground realities. Even from an implementation perspective, night curfews make little sense. Let's be honest, what nightlife can the Itanagar Capital Complex really boast of. There is none really! It would make more sense to control gatherings rather than impose blanket restrictions that will inconvenience all and rob daily wage earners of their earnings. People violating SOPs and not wearing masks are a threat to others and should be treated accordingly. We need to curb violations and not necessarily movement. 

As Arunachal is staring at a third covid wave, it is hoped that we are better prepared this time.