Open House: What measures should be implemented to curb the return of Covid to Chandigarh and tricity region?

Make masks compulsory

Advertisement

Haryana and Punjab have already reported 30 and six cases of Covid respectively, while Kerala is the worst-effected with 1300% increase. The silver lining is that we all are well experienced the pandemic once. The vaccines are easily available. But we all need to follow all the norms scrupulously. Best is to make the use of masks compulsory. The vaccines, may be at a price, be made available in abundance. The testing kits be also made easily available at the government hospitals and health centres. Regular advertisements be shown in the TV shows in the evening times to make the public aware.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Prevention is better than cure

Recent rise in Covid cases is a matter of great concern for tricity residents. The good old saying “prevention is better than cure” must be followed as per SOPs issued on the subject matter. Practice good hygiene instructions, wear masks and keep physical distance as far as possible. Senior citizens and young children should take extra precautions and avoid going to places of mass gathering and stay away. Lastly monitor symptoms and seek immediate medical attention rather ignoring the pre signs of covid getting into covid mess.

Col TBD Bedi, Mohali

Do not let panic settle in

Covid has again started spreading at an alarming rate. The fatality rate may be minor but the panic has once again set in and needs to be tackled with at the earliest. There is a need to make aware the people to take care of Covid-related precautions. The hospitals also need to get ready for a surge in patients. People should also exercise caution at a personal level to tackle the dangerous virus.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (Retd.), Mohali

Create centralised information bank

I propose the creation of a centralised data bank for every citizen. In my view, such a data bank could assist the authorities in numerous ways. It would not only verify the vaccination status of citizens but also leverage technology to analyse comprehensive demographic records of individuals, including those living below the poverty line, laborers, farmers and both blue-collar and white-collar workers. The detailed information would enable the government to develop precise policies and allocate resources effectively.

Narinder Banwait, Chandigarh

Multi-pronged approach essential

To curb the return of Covid, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Authorities should strengthen surveillance and early detection systems to quickly identify and isolate new cases. Public awareness campaigns must be relaunched, encouraging people to wear masks in crowded places, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid unnecessary gatherings. Vaccination drives should be intensified, including booster doses for vulnerable groups. Health infrastructure must be kept ready, with adequate supply of oxygen, medicines, and hospital beds.

Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh

Personal protective measures crucial

Personal protective measures are crucial, including handwashing, mask-wearing, and physical distancing. The measures have been shown to reduce the incidence of Covid by 53% for handwashing and mask-wearing, and 25% for physical distancing. Additionally, Environmental Measures such as disinfection of surfaces can also help reduce transmission. Social Measures like universal lockdowns, travel restrictions, and closures of public places can also be effective in controlling the spread of the virus.

Gurpreet Kaur, Mohali

Should ramp up testing

To curb the return of Covid, bolster surveillance by increasing testing, especially for symptomatic individuals, and actively tracing contacts of positive cases to isolate and prevent further spread. Secondly, empower citizens with accessible, accurate information regarding symptoms, testing, and prevention. Promote continued adherence to basic hygiene like handwashing and mask-wearing in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Thirdly, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, ensuring adequate oxygen, beds, and trained personnel. Lastly, encourage vaccination, including booster doses, as a primary defense.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

Focus on vulnerable groups

Authorities must swiftly launch a multi-layered strategy. Reinstate mandatory masks in crowded public spaces and transport hubs. Intensify vaccination drives with booster doses, especially targeting vulnerable groups like labourers and the elderly. Deploy mobile health units to underserved areas for awareness and symptom screening. Social media and local influencers must be engaged to counter misinformation and spread preventive messages. Workplaces and schools should be required to follow air ventilation norms. Local governance should partner with NGOs for community-based surveillance and support.

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Follow dos and don’ts

The news of a person succumbing to the virus—reportedly the first case of the recent spurt—has created panic, especially among us senior citizens. However, let’s face the truth: Covid has become a part of our lives now. But the good news is that we can protect ourselves if we strictly follow the recommended precautions. Much of our safety depends on our own behavior—avoiding unnecessary outings, maintaining good health, eating nutritious food, and staying fit. By staying alert, conscious, and committed to the doss and don’ts, we can win this battle.

Umesh Mani Dixit, Chandigarh

Time for citizens to step up

The stray cases of Covid emerging once again is a cause of worry and one recent death in PGIMER raises alarm. So far, there is no official advisory issued by the administration but as responsible citizens we should take precautionary measures like avoiding crowded places, keeping the mask on, putting on a handkerchief while sneezing and coughing and keeping our hands sanitised. Any severity of conditions like cough, cold fever or fatigue must be referred to a physician. All government hospitals must have a special OPD to attend to patients of such symptoms. Besides, wards and ICU must have additional inventory of oxygen.

Yash Khetarpal, Panchkula

Exercise caution when in public

One must remain vigilant and practicing self-discipline, maintaining personal hygiene and assessing situations to take preventive measures. Elderly and sick individuals often prefer walking for exercise. However, narrow park paths and anticlockwise walking by many, can lead to increased risk of spreading infection, besides obstruction. The MC should display signs in parks to encourage clockwise walking. Densely populated facilities should provide entry and exit points.

Col Balbir Singh, Chandigarh

Don’t give in to complacency

Despite official assurances on the Covid situation being under control, complacency must not set in. Urgent and proactive measures are essential to prevent another wave. Firstly, mass awareness campaigns should be relaunched, focusing on masking in crowded areas, hygiene, and the importance of vaccination, including booster doses. Mobile health units must be deployed to vaccinate and test the underprivileged and migrant workers, who often remain off the healthcare radar. Surveillance must be stepped up in hospitals, schools, and public transport hubs.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Need to take symptoms seriously

Prevention is always better than cure. Instead of burdening hospitals and risking lives, we must return to basics—wearing masks, maintaining hygiene, and practicing social distancing. Anyone with fever or Covid-like symptoms should be tested immediately. If positive, isolation must be followed. Timely action can break the chain of infection and protect families and communities.

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

Spread awareness through advisories

The recent Covid-related death in Chandigarh is a stark reminder that the pandemic threat still looms. Authorities must act swiftly to prevent a larger outbreak. First, testing and contact tracing should be ramped up in vulnerable zones. Public advisories on masking in crowded places and public transport must be reissued, especially with rising cases in nearby states. Vaccination drives, including booster doses, should be actively promoted, particularly among frontline workers and informal laborers.

Aarti Rana Chauhan, Chandigarh

Provide refreshers training

Although, authorities may assure that “All is Well”, even though proactive steps are critical to prevent complacency and mitigate a potential wave. First of all, there should be coordination between states for mobility control resource sharing and data exchange. Campaigns on hygiene, mask use and vaccination is compulsory. Limit gatherings in closed spaces during spikes and enforce occupancy limits. There should be proper ventilation in schools, offices, malls and transport hubs.

Anita K Tandonm, Mundi Kharar

Keep a check on frequent travellers

The masses should be told to wear masks to keep the Covid at bay. Hospitals and medical staff should be geared up to curb any emergency.  The masses should feel the gravity of the situation and go for tests if exhibiting symptoms. They should follow protocols while sneezing or coughing. The authorities should check and isolates those going or coming from abroad. Regular health campaigns at slums and weaker sections of the society will help.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Lay emphasis on early detection, timely care

The UT administration must implement proactive measures and clear guidelines to contain the spread of emerging, low-severity Omicron subvariants. An immediate audit of critical healthcare infrastructure is essential, including oxygen plants, ICU bed capacity, essential medications and vaccine availability, across all hospitals to prepare for a potential surge in Covid cases. Hospitals should ensure that all emergency equipment, such as ventilators, BiPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, oxygen units, is fully functional and ready for use. Emphasis must be placed on prevention, early detection, and timely patient care.

Brigadier Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

RWAs need to do their bit

The authorities must make public aware through print and electronic media on the preventive measures, besides setting up adequate testing facilities in each sector. On the part of public, it should be incumbent to strictly adhere to SOPs or guidelines issued on the subject. Local NGOs and RWAs must educate and stress upon residents to strictly abide by the advisories issued by authorities.

SS Arora, Mohali

Learn from past practices

Maintaining core safety practices such as practicing essential personal hygiene practices including washing hands regularly especially after touching public surfaces with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, , continue wearing a mask in crowded and enclosed spaces, ensuring proper ventilation, and carrying out regular disinfections is the golden key to preventing its spread.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Small steps can go a long way

Wear masks in crowded areas and public transport to reduce transmission risk. Maintain social distancing and avoid close contact with people showing symptoms. Frequently wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Stay home if you’re unwell and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. By adopting these habits, we can significantly reduce Covid spread and keep tricity safe.

Shruti K Chawla, Chandigarh

Ensure healthcare services

The second wave of Covid took a heavy toll on India’s population. Hospital and medical facilities struggled to keep up with the rising number of cases. To avoid a situation like that, the UT administration taking stringent measures. The need of an hour is to ensure healthcare services to public who paid their taxes sincerely. Hoarding should also be checked. Looking at the present scenario, there’s a need for humanity and collective responsibility.

Charu Malhotra, Mohali