Open House: does current situation demand more restrictions like lockdown?

Impose complete lockdown

The possible third wave of coronavirus is spreading fast. And to prevent its surge, the government has imposed a partial ban on public movement through night curfew. However, it is seen that such partial implementation of restrictions cannot effectively control the spread of the pandemic as people rush out of their houses mostly in daytime and throng markets violating social distancing norm, which is the most important tool in keeping oneself safe. Hence, to control the rising cases, a complete lockdown must be enforced. Previous experience shows that complete lockdown is the best step towards curbing the spread, as human interaction is cut completely. At the same time, the government must force people to get vaccinated as it is the most effective antiviral treatment available.

Novin Christopher

Strict restrictions not solution

It is true that the Covid situation is grim as daily cases of Omicron are surging worldwide. In such a situation, there is a dire need to take strict measures to contain the virus but at the same time the administration must ensure that livelihoods of the masses are not affected, especially poor and the middle class. Already, the first two waves of the pandemic have wrecked havoc and the third one is set to endanger the lives of people. We need to understand that only collective efforts by the public as well as the administration can help curb the disease. Under any circumstances, we cannot impose such strictness, which directly or indirectly affects people’s livelihood. At the same time, people must understand that it is their moral duty to safeguard their lives and also others. Therefore, there is a need to strictly follow the Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi

No need for lockdown

It is unfortunate that Omicron, a new variant of coronavirus, is spreading at an alarming rate. Many states, including Punjab, has imposed night curfew along with other restrictions. But if the government will impose more restrictions, it will become difficult for people such as daily wagers, salaried class, businessmen, hawkers, shopkeepers and gym owners to earn their livelihood. Under these circumstances, the only way to curb the spread of the virus is to follow Covid norms strictly. There is no need for a lockdown as the rate of unemployment is increasing day by day. We all must stand by the order of the government to follow the norms properly as the government is doing all efforts for the welfare of people.

Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Follow Covid norms seriously

We are aware that cases of Covid and Omicron are increasing at an alarming rate. Confusion regarding imposition of stricter lockdown prevails in the country. But as far as the present condition of the economy is concerned, it should not be imposed at any cost. Every sector of economy is already facing a recession-like situation. We are trying to get back on the track. However, further lockdown will hit the economy hard in many ways. Even night curfew is not puposeful. The government should try to find out another ways to handle the situation. Covid protocols must be seriously followed to improve the present scenario. Focus must be shifted to hospitalisation facilities. Steps must be taken to ensure the safety of students in schools and colleges. Special care should be given to children and elderly people.

Ritu Priya

Take strict action against offenders

Covid cases are on the rise. It is an alarming situation for residents of the city. Lockdown is not a criterion to curb the spread of the virus. Local governments with the assistance of the police should ensure that those persons above 65 years of age and pregnant women must stay home. The police must issue challans to those who are not maintaining social distancing and are not wearing mask at public places. In each office and establishment, provisions of hand wash/sanitisation and thermal checking should be made mandatory. Shopkeepers who allow customers without masks in their outlets should be punished and they should not be allowed to open their shops for at least three days. The local administration must put barricades to check violation of Covid guidelines. Surveillance with the help of drones should be initiated in congested public places. There should be a complete ban on pillion riding. People must cooperate with government to put a curb on the spread of Omicron by following all safetyguidelines.

Farzana Khan

Penalise partially vaccinated people

Strict restrictions such as complete lockdown to curb the possible third wave will have deleterious effects on the economy and education scenario. Poor would not be able to earn their daily wages and will starve. In the larger interest of the public, the process of vaccination should be expedited. Those people who have not taken the second dose so far should be penalised. Parents must get their eligible wards vaccinated. People above 60 years of age should get the booster dose. Covid-appropriate behavior should be followed by one and all.

Sunil Chopra

Expedite vax campaigns

The current surge in Covid cases can’t be taken lightly. Cases during the third wave are likely to break records of the second wave. With the Omicron variant raging havoc, things are getting worse. Let’s not panic. Rather, exercise utmost caution. A complete lockdown is no answer to the present situation. Better preventive measures need to be taken. Most of us are fully vaccinated and herd immunity has developed. Imposing of lockdown will adversely affect the economy of the nation. Surveillance in clusters reporting higher number of cases should be ensured. Response to administering of booster dose as well as vaccination of the 15 to 18 years of age group has been lukewarm. Both vaccination drives need to be stepped up. To lessen the burden on hospitals, effective implementation of home isolation for mild cases should be encouraged. Opening and closing hours of shops and markets be fixed again by the government. A four or five-day week schedule in government offices (except emergency services) should be announced with a cap on the attendance of employees to 50 per cent of the actual strength. Tough action should be initiated against hospitals which are yet to install oxygen plants on their premises. A mechanism should also be created to ensure private hospitals do not overcharge patients.

RS Sembhi

Make people follow safety guidelines

Increase in Covid cases in the city must be curbed by the local authorities and the public together to save people from the third wave of the pandemic. The authorities are doing their best to control its spread and it is the duty of all citizens to fully follow all safety guidelines of the government. The local authorities must ensure that the protocols are followed by all in letter and in spirit. The safety measures include staying at home, washing hands with soap after reaching home from outside, proper cleanliness in neighbourhood and social distancing while visiting public places and cap on number of visitors in functions and markets. The local administration, including the police, must ensure that the public follow all safety measures. Violators must be given punishment. Past experience has shown that a step like lockdown adversely affects normal life, income of individuals and economy of the state in general. Hence, this time, all safety guidelines issued by the government must be followed by the public to save themselves from the deadly virus. At the same time, the authorities concerned must ensure that all people in the city get the booster dose as soon as possible.

Gautam Dev

Lockdown only option to check surge

Night curfew will not help curb rising coronavirus cases in Ludhiana. Vaccination campaign should be strengthened in a large scale. The Ludhiana administration should ensure that all people must follow Covid protocols. Those who fail to follow the restrictions religiously should be given strict punishment. The administrative authorities should impose complete lockdown for one month to control the present circumstances. If complete lockdown is imposed, some help should be provided to people who lived on the basis of daily earnings. If we ignore the Omicron variant, nobody can save us from the third wave. Hence, strict complete lockdown is only option to control the possible third wave. If public take it lightly, it will affect a large number of people in a fast way.

Adish Sood

Boost health infra, spread awareness

Cases of Covid are increasing at an alarming speed. Best ways to control the disease, include complete vaccination of people of the state as soon as possible, following of safety guidelines issued by the Punjab Health Department such as social distancing, wearing mask, washing hands, taking a balance diet and issuing challans to offenders. The government should take the public in confidence for implementation of Covid-19-related norms and provide grants to boost the health infrastructure. Awareness programmes should be held to control the disease. Awareness should be spread through the print and electronic media also. Hospitals should be ready with all facilities and manpower for treating Covid patients.

Sukhdev Sharma

QUESTION

With the Assembly elections slated for February 14, what are the main issues that plague the state’s industrial capital Ludhiana?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to [email protected]

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.