Fear of a second Covid wave, not necessarily restricted to a few states but across the country is gradually getting stronger. This is almost an exact replication of what happened in March 2020 leading to the impromptu rollout of the nation-wide lockdown. At this juncture when the country is staring at yet another massive public health emergency, it’s incomprehensible why there is still no declaration of a central policy that would expedite the vaccination process. There is only basking over the satisfaction that India’s current vaccination speed is the fastest or second fastest in the world. That the journey is long and it will take a very long span of time to inoculate the general population even if the current pace is maintained has been conveniently forgotten. This has been supplemented by people’s over-confidence and the states which are now facing the heat have arguably displayed it to a greater degree. It’s still manageable and that’s only possible if a wayout that would throw open the vaccination for the general segment is sincerely sought.

There is no point in putting all attention over Maharashtra alone, the state which the medical experts are opining as the possible origin of the second Covid wave in the country. Delhi turned out to be a new worry on Saturday with 813 new cases, the highest daily count so far this year, a clear precursor to a third wave there. On the same day Tamil Nadu added 1,200+ and has recorded 8 fatalities and in Kerala, there were nearly 2100 new ones, not to mention about Punjab and Haryana that are already in deep trouble. The Covid map is expanding fast, akin to the March-April 2020 scenario. It always needs something terrible to happen to frame a rational policy in the country, at least the Maharashtra example says so. It took a huge hike in cases in the country’s business capital for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to take the decision to launch rapid antigen tests at public places every day, while it should have been an ongoing process by now. It seems the word ‘pre-emptive’ comes under consideration only when launching military attacks on enemy countries is the issue! Based on the vaccination calculations currently going on, a rough estimate suggests that if the existing daily 1.5 million dose speed is maintained, it will need around three and a half years to vaccinate 75% of the population, thereby leading to herd immunity. It needs no further calculation as to how much it’s necessary to speed up the process.

At a time when the economy is ravaged and the medical health system overstressed, a second wave will be more than a tsunami or earthquake-like disaster. It’s time to speed up vaccination or perish. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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