Strict adherence to rules need of the hour

Open House: How can the government ensure that rules to curb covid spread are followed?

Following rules related to the prevention of Covid-19 is the need of the hour. Employers must ensure social distancing is being followed according to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, both within the work area and in company transport. The ministry directive necessitates thermal screening, sufficient quantities of soaps and sanitisers at the entry and exit points of workplaces.

Shiwani

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Appoint volunteers at the street level

Covid-19 cases are rising rapidly in the country. In some states there is a fear of community transmission also. It is time that we all follow the rules and regulations of the ICMR and the World Health Organization. The government must fine those who violate rules and regulations. Local governments may appoint one volunteer at the street-level to check whether residents are wearing masks and following social distancing norms. The police and other local authorities must have surveillance on malls and shopkeepers and check if any distortion is there in implementing the rules. Parents, teachers and elders can play a pivotal role in this regard. In factories, offices and banks and post offices people must be aware of the rules which they have to follow and the public too.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

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Public health measures critical to cut virus spread

As with other respiratory infections such as flu or the common cold, public health measures are critical to slow the spread of the virus. Public health measures are everyday preventive actions that include staying at home when sick, covering mouth, washing hands regularly and clean touched surfaces at regular intervals. Moreover, encourage your children to ask questions and express their feeling with you. Remember that your child may have different reactions to stress. As we learn more about Covid-19 public health officials may recommend additional actions.

Raashi

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Adopt odd-even rule

Covid-19 pandemic has led to widespread damage both to lives and economy. To revive the economy, the government has announced Unlock 1.0 almost opening everything. In this time, the main concern of the government is to make the citizens follow all the precautions related to prevention of Covid-19. There are many ways by which it can be done. The government can set up police check posts at decided places to ensure that people are wearing masks. The government should not open shops related to unnecessary commodities or it can follow some other methods such as odd and even scheme. Citizens must be encouraged to follow the precautions through posters or television advertisement.

Deepantika Jain

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Fighting Covid pandemic, a collective responsibility

There is a steep rise in Covid-19 cases across the country. The government has laid down detailed guidelines for businesses and institutions. The government must ensure that people are following the rules and regulations in letter and spirit. People should themselves follow the guidelines with spirit and not with enforcement. In other words, self-discipline should be maintained. Also, strictness on the part of the executing authorities must be there. Bigger fines, strict punishment should be there. Overall, we can say that with the cooperation among government, police, doctors and people we can win over the pandemic.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi

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Deploy more police, adopt harsh measures

Merely issuing challans will not serve the purpose, the government will have to adopt harsh measures to ensure that everyone is following rules related for prevention of spread of Covid-19. Strict protocols for hygiene and social distancing are needed. Besides, there is a need to deploy more police and their volunteers for patrolling at short interval of time to keep a check on businesses and organisations, including employers' federations, trade unions, sector associations, railways, bus stand etc. so that infected people, if found roaming in public places should be kept under isolation or home quarantine. Slap lockdown violators with relevant sections of the IPC.

Ravi Chander Garg

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Raise awareness regarding the disease

We know that lockdown restrictions have been eased but the risk of Covid-19 still looms large. Raising awareness regarding the disease can always be effective. So, posters and pamphlets with precautionary measures should be put on every nook and corner. Moreover, strictness by the police will help in controlling of the spread of Covid-19. Imposing heavy penalties can also be productive and precautions by people themselves can also be constructive.

Harleen Kaur

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Bring clarity in lockdown rules

First of all, the government must bring clarity regarding all the lockdown rules so that everyone knows what's allowed and what's not. People living in urban might be aware of the norms but the same can't be expected from those living in rural areas. The rules can be divided in three stages: First stage, do’s and don’ts; second following lockdown rules and the third stage, rules issued during opening up of the economy. At present, people must follow the rules, including staying at home, mandatory use of masks and social distancing. The government must use both strict and soft measures to ensure that the people follow these rules related to prevention of Covid-19 spread. Among the strict actions, the police must punish defaulters with fine or other penalties. Among the soft actions, people must be educated to follow the rules. Well thought-out rules are there but people have to be encouraged to follow them to prevent Covid-19 spread.

Gautam Dev

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Punish violaters to ensure adherence to rules

Firstly, the government should formulate strict rules to curb the spread of the virus. Secondly, it should also make people aware about the rules and regulations, using apps such as WhatsApp, Aarogya Setu and COVA. Thirdly, the implementation of the numerous rules is most important. These rules should be followed strictly amongst the public considering it as a part of their responsibility towards the nation. But there are people who do not abide by the rules and they must be penalised heavily to ensure adherence.

Harkirat Singh Shankar

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Conduct surprise checking

Both the central and state governments are issuing necessary notifications from time to time to prevent the virus spread but the most difficult task is to make sure that all the rules and regulations are duly complied with. Implementation of all the measures taken by the government is the most challenging and difficult task. No doubt, for strict implementation of rules the government is imposing various types of penalties on violators, however, there is a need to do something extra. The government should assign duties to police, volunteers and marshalls and divide areas among them for surprise checking. As we know that malls, worship places, markets, means of transportation are now open, the fear of surprise checking will make all of them more vigilant about following norms at their work places. Enquiries should be conducted and reports should be prepared about the situation of a particular area. The government should ensure that basic necessities such as sanitisers and masks should be provided to needy free of cost.

Ritu Priya

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Follow rules as responsible citizens

Now, it's clear to us that we have to learn to live with Covid-19. As a nation we all have to follow rules to counter this threat of pandemic. Only our self-discipline can support the steps and rules being made by our government. The Centre should release advertisements regarding preventive SOPs of Covid-19. There should be new guidelines for the buying and selling of essential goods. Volunteers should be appointed to check the outside behaviour of every individual. People should be under surveillance through CCTV cameras so as they must have in mind that their acts and activities are under monitored regularly. There should be the provisions for those who breach the rules and regulations must be punished. We all know that the government can only make laws but to obey these is our duty.

Janmit Thakur

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Make masks, sanitisers available to the needy

India is going through a health calamity due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. The cases are rising day by day. To keep to pandemic under control certain norms need to be followed by the people such as personal hygiene and social distancing. But, unfortunately, a large section of our society is not able to afford items such as masks, face covers, sanitisers etc. so it became the duty of the government and the local administration to ensure that underprivileged should get access to basic necessities through public distribution system rules. The government should mark areas outside public places so that social distancing can be maintained at crowded places. To make sure that the rules and regulations regarding the spread of Covid-19 are followed, local administration needs to cooperate with the citizens to make the country Covid-free.

Harnoor Bagga

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Follow good respiratory hygiene to cut spread

The government needs to ensure that people are following rules by taking adequate precautions. At crowded places, one is likely to contract virus easily as it is tough to maintain social distancing there. Make sure you and those around you follow good respiratory hygiene. It means covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue whenever you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands. By following good respiratory hygiene, we can keep virus at bay.

Jasmine Kaur

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Stop politicising issues India has become fourth

worst-hit country in terms of Covid cases. It's high time for the governments and political parties to stop politicising things and work together. Only then the government can actually impose the lockdown rules. There is in doubt about citizens have set up new standards of sincerity in this time of crisis. But these efforts need to be given appreciation by the government in a balanced way. Cooperating and coordination between citizens and governments can help in executing rules.

Bhavya

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Increase CCTV surveillance

The government can ensure that rules to curb Covid-19 spread are followed by increasing CCTV surveillance of markets and public places. Fear of action will prompt people to avoid venturing out aimlessly. It also depends on people that they know the importance of their lives or of others as well.

Pavneet Kaur

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Prevent gatherings at public places

The government should ensure that the people should follow the rules made to stop the spread of coronavirus. It can be done by checking every public place and road. People should prevent gathering at public places and avoid parties at their home. The government should give permission of getting out of the house to those persons who have urgent work. Also, the government officers should check that people who are outside their houses wear masks and use sanitiser for prevention from coronavirus. By follow these rules and preventions we can control the spread of Covid-19.

Jagdeep Singh

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Sanitise public places regularly

The government has to take strict steps to prevent the public from falling prey to the virus. To curb the spread of the virus, the administration should take the help of the police to check whether citizens are following the guidelines or not. Government leaders must ensure constant and credible communication to allay any fears and panic among the people. Awareness should be broadened to prevent them believing fake news. Regular sanitisation of public places, malls, religious places must be ensured by the government to prevent community spread. These measures will themselves be very useful and effective if followed rigorously.

Komal Kakkar

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Use drone cameras

Government can ensure solve the problem by using drone cameras. Drones give us an advantage as high-technological cameras provide best quality image which can help us to recognise the person and we can warn violators through it’s audio functioning programme.

Harshita Dhamu

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Follow social-distancing norm strictly

Something so tiny that you cannot see you with your naked eyes shook the world to its core and brought everything to a standstill. Covid -19 has sent the world through a series of lockdowns. General population was ordered to follow strict guidelines. People should spend their time either watching TV or surfing on net and follow social distancing norms strictly.

Khushmeet Kaur

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Containment zones must be properly sealed

India has become the 4th worst hit nation in the world due to Covid-19 pandemic. But lockdown and containment measures have been successful in preventing the community spread. Still, a large proportion of the population remains susceptible to infection. The main focus of governments should be on restricting the spread of Covid-19 further. Being upfront with the people can pay in the long run. Social distancing is must to prevent this, but following social distancing demands that there must be an ample time and space for citizens to stand in long queues. Instead of opening facilities for a limited period of time, the government must open them for a long period so that the count of people visiting a particular place reduces to an extent. Containment zones must be strictly sealed. The people who have lost their livelihoods must be provided incentives to earn a living. There is a need to maintain data bank of migratory labourers to avoid exodus in future. Some people are attempting suicide on facing problems in this crisis;the government must take a step to counsel them and motivate them to stay positive and work hard. Overall ,the government must try to ensure that the growth of economy must be carried along with careful observation of Covid-19 cases.

Manmohan Kaur

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Install cameras in markets, places of worship

As the threat of Covid-19 is increasing among the public, the rate of recovery of the patient is also rising. We hope that like New Zealand we can get rid of the virus very soon. So, in this time of Unlock 1.0 it is the prime responsibility of the government to ensure that people follow the rules regarding precautions against covid-19. One of the best ways to ensure this thing is that if the government installs cameras at some secret space in those areas where people are more likely to assemble like in market places, hospitals, religious places and especially in those areas which are sealed. The government should ensure that in red zones everyone should take the precautionary measures and quarantine themselves. They should not go outside in crowded places unnecessarily. In this way the rate transmission of virus can decrease. This all arrangements of cameras to be fitted at different public places should be done with the help of government officials and police force. In this way they can ensure that people are following the rules for the prevention again coronavirus.

Sneha Pathak

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Take help of celebrities

Awareness campaign should be arranged and celebrities can help the government in this work. They should set the example for the general public by following rules themselves. Fake news spread should be stopped so that people do not get stressed in this difficult situation. To contain the spread of Covid-19, the central government has instructed states to follow a set of guidelines to minimise the reach of the virus. A comprehensive method of prevention and timely separation of affected patients has been prescribed by the government.

Vishali Kalra

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Sanitise frequently touched surfaces

Follow good respiratory hygiene to cut Covid-10 spread. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands and do not spit. Ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitisation of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces. Ensure regular supply of hand sanitisers, soap and running water in the washrooms.

Gurasees Singh Bajaj

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Reduce interaction with others to a minimum

Social distancing is an effort to stop the transmission of coronavirus in large crowds in meetings, movie halls, weddings and pubic transport. To enforce the importance of social distancing, schools, colleges, malls and movie halls are now closed across states. People are being advised to work from home and reduce interaction with other people to a minimum.

MANKIRAT SINGH

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Practice of work from home should be followed

Staggering of work/business hours shall be followed in offices, work places, shops, markets and industrial and commercial establishments. As far as possible, the practice of work from home should be followed. Frequent sanitisation of entire workplace, common facilities and all points which come into human contact, such as door handles, shall be ensured, including between shifts.

Varun Singla

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Local bodies, police & NGOs must work in harmony

The Central, state and local governments are doing their best to control the spread of Covid. But, the fear of commuity spread has created panic among people. So, under such circumstances there is a dire need to have some strict measures to control the spread of the virus. The police and local authorities and NGOs should work hand-in-hand to make the public aware about the rules and regulations issued by government agencies. Those who are not obeying rules must be dealt with strictly. Local governments, with the help of volunteers, must distribute pamphlets on doorstep to make the public aware about various rules and regulations which they have to follow. Cancel the licences of shopkeepers and owners of shopping complexes/malls if they are found violating lockdown rules. Moreover, it is the duty of each one of us to cooperate and assist the local and state governments to curb the spread of the virus so that precious lives may be saved.

Farzana Khan

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Ensure Lockdown implementation on ground

Any law or policy decision made by the government is only as good as its implementation. The executive bears the responsibility of effective policy implementation and for enforcing its adherence, the help of law-enforcement agencies can be taken. Local police and home guards can be very effective in ensuring that lockdown rules are implemented on the ground. Frequent patrolling, drone surveillance and cameras can be used to track and punish violators. Fear of action among people is necessary to contain the spread of the virus. Jaspinder Kaur

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OPEN HOUSE COMMENT

Residents must understand gravity of situation

Minna Zutshi

Creating awareness about the pandemic is the need of the hour. Unless the people understand how important it is to follow the precautions, they will continue to show laxity.

The basic awareness about the disease and preventive measures has to be shared with the public in such a way that it is clear to them. While discussing the precautions, it is important to mention the reasons and the context. Right information must come from the right and authentic source.

Wash your hands with soap and water. Maintain at least 1 metre (3-feet) distance between yourself and others. Avoid going to crowded places. Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover.

Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house, wear a mask to avoid infecting others

OPEN HOUSE QUESTION

What all activities can be organised to create public awareness about Covid-19 and its prevention?

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