Covid situation in the ICR is gradually turning out to be more critical. If the preceding week’s day-to-day graph is taken into account, the inference which can be drawn is that the spread has been silent and rapid and in all probability the new strain(s) is in play. Based on genome sequencing findings of these new strains, the country’s medical community is unanimous to arrive at the conclusion that ‘explosion’ of cases is solely due to their superior spreading capabilities, multiple times higher than the predecessor strain. There has been a marked lack of responsibility on part of ‘stakeholders’ to go slow on this important issue- which is to launch a sustained hunt of new strain(s) when the first indications appeared at least 3-4 months back from now. It would have been most rational if such state-wise efforts were initiated and it’s only after the mayhem in Maharashtra, response came, thereby serving as an alert for other states. Many medical experts warned of this development and in an environment without restriction of inter-state barriers (post lockdown), it’s natural that the virus double-empowered by its new strain has spread like wildfire across the country. This is how Delhi’s 2021 edition of Covid distress unfolded, followed by multiple states including all those in the East and now joined by the Northeast including Arunachal Pradesh.
Evidently, the ICR development has put the administration in a fix and the point has reached when the drastic decision, i.e. a lockdown might have to be taken. Even if this is the last resort and would entail hardships for denizens, particularly economic, the other side of the story is simply saturated with harsh actualities. It will not be possible to take care of a major portion of the new Covid cases given the fact that health facilities are extremely limited. Just as it has happened in Delhi and in towns and cities of UP, MP and elsewhere, the first crisis to strike will be shortage of oxygen followed by beds and medical personnel. It’s a massive misfortune that has now overwhelmed the entire country triggered by an overconfidence that Covid-19 has lost its edge and about to vanish. Testing, contact tracing and all others essential in waging a comprehensive war against the pandemic were shelved, followed by a very unscientific vaccination rollout policy, the repercussions of which are now being felt daily. As such there shouldn’t be any extra cause of lament for Arunachal- entire country is on the same boat.
If it’s absolutely unavoidable, lockdown should be imposed. Denizens, at least many of them should also think now- did they pay heed to the appeals and warnings from the administration or care to go through the informative pieces the state’s press carried almost every alternate day to infuse Covid consciousness.

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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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