State govt failed on many fronts to contain Covid-19

Residents share their opinion on how well the state has tackled the covid-19 threat?

it is Time for govt to overcome weaknesses

Last month, the number of Covid-19 cases in the state was not too high to lose sleep over it. But the problem began when the state started witnessing a spike in the number of cases after the pilgrims, stranded in Nanded (Maharashtra), were brought back to the state. All the pilgrims were safe there on the gurdwara premises. Instead of spending so much on their return, the government could have used the amount for arranging for their proper stay at health facilities at Nanded for at least a month. It was because of political pressure that the pilgrims were brought back, which led to the spread of the virus in some districts. Apart from that, the health workers and the Punjab Police deserve to be commended for doing a great service to people at personal risk. It is time the government overcame its weaknesses and took wise decisions. Now, people stranded in other states of the country and in foreign countries will return home and the government must arrange for their return in such a way that no more cases are added to the tally.

Rashtardeep Singh Sandhu

Provide basic facilities at quarantine centres

Though the state government is leaving no stone unturned to restrict the spread of Covid-19, it has faltered on many fronts. First and foremost, the state government has not been able to mitigate the fear of the virus from the minds of residents. This has led to the concealing of symptoms of fever and flu by people. They are afraid to come forward for voluntary testing lest they should end up in isolation and quarantine centres where the facilities to keep patients engaged purposefully are minimal. Moreover, sanitary conditions at government hospitals leave a lot to be desired. The government must come forward to allay the fears of people and provide better facilities at public hospitals. Another factor that may hamper the administration’s efforts to contain the disease is utter neglect of poor and impoverished workers by their employers. Even after repeated appeals by the PM, factory owners are not willing to fulfil the basic needs of migrant labourers in this hour of need. This may lead to malnourishment of the weaker sections of society. Undernourished people are more susceptible to contract the disease because of their poor immunity. The government must prevail upon the employers and join hands with factory owners to take care of the health of their workers.

Rajiv Sharma

Teamwork can help check spread of virus

The Capt Amarinder Singh government has failed miserably in its fight against the coronavirus disease as members of his Cabinet have been more interested in their fight against the bureaucracy. Kerala was the first state to report a Covid-19 positive case in January. The state witnessed the maximum number of positive cases from among migrant labourers coming from abroad before and during the lockdown period. With their sincere efforts, they were able to check the spread of the coronavirus. By March, after two months of reporting a positive case in Kerala, Punjab should have prepared itself in a better way to deal with the virus. With sincere efforts and teamwork can the state defeat Covid-19.

Naresh Johar

State govt doing its level best

Since the imposition of the first nationwide lockdown, our government has been doing its level best to make us safe and sound. But I am worried about the underprivileged and poor. Are they getting essential items of daily use easily? Are they getting food, clothing and shelter. The government should impress upon people the need to stay home to be safe. If people still do not obey, the government must take stringent action against violators. As one can see a crowd outside the liquor vends, the customers must be made to follow the social distancing norm. We appreciate the government for doing everything it can to save the countrymen.

Izleen

Start screening on the doorstep in state

It should start screening and conduct other necessary tests of people on the doorstep across the state. It should put a ban on spitting in public places in the state. Before opening offices, factories, shops, etc, these places should be sanitised properly almost daily. Unless the situation is brought under control, nobody should be allowed to roam aimlessly in streets. Schools, colleges and universities should be asked to teach the importance of hygiene to students. A chapter on this topic must be included in the curriculum.

Rohit Kumar Sehdev

Exemplary punishment to check violations

I think the Punjab Government has taken many a step to contain the virus. Still, lots of efforts need to be taken by it in this regard. As we know, Covid-19 has spread in almost all parts of the country, we need to implement certain policies to check its further growth. First of all, the public should change their lifestyle. For example, everybody should wear masks while moving in public places and the government should make sure that they are easily available at cheaper rates. Masks should be provided free to the poor. Other measures like washing hands frequently, avoiding unnecessary travel and social gatherings, disinfecting phones, doorknobs frequently, etc, must be taken. If you are unwell, do not step out of the house. Do not shake hands and keep a distance from a person who is not your family member or those who do not live in your house. Exemplary punishment must be given for not obeying the social distancing norm. Places such as grocery shops, banks, mandis, etc, should be monitored. In these testing times, everyone should act as a responsible citizen and follow the recommendations of the Health Department.

Anureet Kaur

Ensure security of medical staff

No government in the world has any previous experience of handling a Covid-like disease. The Government of India took time to act but that was a considered response based on the experience of Western countries which could not impose a lockdown. Fortunately, there has been full support from the state governments so far. As far as Punjab is concerned, CM Capt Amarinder Singh went ahead and announced a fortnight longer lockdown. Taking care of the medical fraternity and providing them much-needed security and adequate time to take rest should be the priorities of the government. We still have a few weeks for schools to open and authorities to decide how to restart the education system. Teachers must not be made to suffer. I remember in the 1970s, malaria claimed around 800,000 patients every year but with the serious efforts of the government coupled with the public support, it has been eradicated now. A well-oiled public healthcare system should now be created.

Prof Mohan Singh

Set up quarantine centres outside city

Many people have been brought back from different states and many more are yet to return. Why not? After all, it’s their right to be with their family members at home in these tough times. Before that, they just have to spend some time in quarantine centres and when they are medically fit they can move to their homes. But should these quarantine centres be based in cities? One fails to understand why the government is setting up quarantine centres in cities. Do the medical staff or other volunteers, who come in contact with Covid-19 patients, not spread the infection to other people living near such centres. The government should have quarantined Nanded pilgrims on the borders of the state and given them medical treatment and fulfilled all their needs there.

Shivam Sharma

State failed to screen nanded returnees

I wish our PM had given time, at least two-three days, to all people to return to their homes before imposing the national lockdown. As it was not given, we have been seeing a spike in the number of coronavirus cases, not only in Punjab but everywhere. Cases started rising as people, especially migrant labourers, began to rush back to their home states, that too in panic, pain and confusion. Even no social distancing norms were followed by them. Coming to our state government, it failed to conduct health check-ups of many who returned from Nanded and other places. I doubt they did serious planning. As per media reports, there was no sign of hygiene and cleanliness in most of the quarantine centres. On the other hand, people do not hesitate in throwing norms and precautions to the wind and step out of their houess without any purpose. People should cooperate with the government by following all the norms and guidelines. Let’s not forget that ‘prevention is better than cure.’

Rameshinder Singh Sandhu

Relieving the plight of migrant labourers

One is deeply moved by the plight of daily wagers and migrant labourers. Migrant workers, along with their family members, can be seen walking, encumbered with heavy bags, all the way to their far-off native villages in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, etc. Though the Centre and state governments have appealed to employers to pay salaries to their workers, it seems requests have fallen on deaf ears. Most of the labourers have lost their jobs, leave alone getting salaries during the lockdown period. So, they are left with no option but to leave for their home. Thank God, some organisations in Punjab are organising langars and distributing ration. At least, many labourers will not have to sleep on an empty stomach. The government should arrange transportation for migrant labourers so that they reach their homes safely and join their families in this hour of crisis.

Amarjit Kalsi

Govt must increase health budget

The Punjab Government has made satisfactory efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic with its limited resources. Kudos to our Covid warriors in the Departments of Health, Police, Sanitation and others who have been tirelessly working day and night for us. The government should boost the morale of pandemic warriors by giving them adequate monetary benefits and recognition. Workplace security of all frontline warriors must be ensured so they can service with compassion, hope and human touch in this times of crisis. Money, socio-economic and cultural factors should not become a hindrance in the treatment of patients. The government should increase budget allocation to the health sector. More NGOs and other charitable institutions should be motivated and involved in humanitarian works. Weaker sections of society should be protected. People should also come forward to help the government.

Janak Raj Sarangal

QUESTION

The schools are closed for indefinite period due to Covid-19 pandemic. Do you think that online teaching can compensate for the classroom teaching, which is completely amiss for the past nearly two months?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (May 21).