Visakhapatnam: Safety protocols go for a toss

Visakhapatnam: As the count of coronavirus positive cases steadily surging upward, India is embracing unlock 1.0. The government's decision to unlock in order to stimulate the falling economy has paved the way for free movement of the people which in turn is expected to push up the Covid cases if health protocols continue to be ignored.

In this backdrop, unlocking is still considered a bad idea, especially when the number of persons tested positive is inching close to 175 in Visakhapatnam, causing concern among the people and the officials are at their wits' end over the worsening situation. From lockdown one to four, the government has extended all its support to the people and the total clampdown turned out to be successful, restricting movement to a large extent.

However, after more than two months, a slew of relaxations has been announced by the Centre in order to get the economy back on track. With places of worship, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and workplaces ready to up their shutters, there is a wider possibility of increased movement of people. As such, heavy traffic movement and people moving in groups are witnessed in several parts of the city.

Already, reopening of liquor outlets and meat shops have led to enough violation of social distancing norms. In addition, with the public transport system resuming its services, there is no proper mechanism to check whether autorickshaws are following Covid protocols or not. If this goes unnoticed, experts say that the three-wheelers will be potential corona carriers in future if sanitisation is not carried out properly at regular intervals.

Sharing his views, ZP High School, Gidijala Headmaster E Pydiraju says, "At a time when coronavirus cases are growing at an alarming rate, it is better the lockdown gets extended for a few more weeks. People are forgetful about social distancing norms which will only intensify the positive cases that are steadily increasing across the States. So far, the government has been taking care of the corona patients. However, negligence is not acceptable and those who are unmindful of following precautionary measures should be questioned."

Experts warn that if precautionary measures are ignored, there is a higher possibility of community transmission risk. "People should understand the magnitude of the contagiousness. We are at the risk of contracting Covid even if we are careful because of the carelessness of those who don't follow health protocols. One should be completely aware that it's the end of the lockdown but not corona.

With cases on rise and the need for life to go on, one should be even more cautious. Wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene measures are to be strictly followed," says K Kavita, Pulmonary and Critical Care Consultant of ABC Hospitals.

Laying emphasis on wearing masks, Dr Kavita also recommends to stay away from crowds, avoid travel, functions and shopping for pleasure and consuming street food. Ironically, the initial fear for Covid-19 has gradually faded away among people. Experts say that it's time to prepare for the worst if people fail to pay any heed to safety protocols against coronavirus.