Embarking on a brand newfangled path, 'Standpoint' aid the voices of the voiceless and assist in empowering citizens' to tell their stories, as they see it, encouraging citizen journalism. Standpoint also addresses the visions, ideas, aspirations, emotions, adventures, and adversities of youth in Assam. The column provides an inclusive space reflecting the social, political, and cultural milieu of the younger generation which comprises a large section of the society. These young Indians' scientific temper and rational voices, narratives, and significant insights will help humankind to contemplate and act for a better future.
By Rituparna Goswami Pande
A lone phone call was what it took to send an entire household into doldrums. It all began a few days ago when Prakash Nath decided to go in for a COVID-19 Test voluntarily. The tests were being done in the commercial complex of a common friend where anyone who was willing was signed up for the test.
Prakash Nath, was late for the test that day, and when he arrived there was a serpentine queue in front of the area where people were giving swabs. The person collecting the swabs was clad in a PPE kit and was going about his job. Prakash hesitated a while and returned a little later so that the crowd would thin down and it might be more hygienic too.
He was quite elated to go in for the tests as he just wanted to confirm that his hard work of regular exercise, cycling sessions, and a balanced diet would prove to be fruitful after all. It was his way of confirming his fitness level. Allegedly after going for the COVID test one is suggested home quarantine till the results are declared, however, no such bindings were put upon Prakash or his friends. Then came the bolt from the blue, a call from an unknown number claiming to be from a government agency shattered his false utopia.
Prakash was found COVID Positive and he was informed that an ambulance would pick him up from his residence the next morning. Guilt washed over Prakash as he had not felt the need to maintain social distancing within his family. There had been no need either, as he was perfectly healthy and had shown no signs of being sick.
The next day, an ambulance screeched to a halt in front of their house and two PPE kit clad figures gestured to him to proceed to the vehicle. Prakash was zoomed off to the Patanjali Ashram near Mirza with three other patients. On reaching the center the four of them huddled off to the third floor of the building and taken to a large hall with about a hundred beds separated by a few inches. They were also asked to collect pillows, buckets, bedsheets, and asked to be confined in the room until the rest of the days. There were about three toilets and a few makeshift bathing areas for the motley group. Due to the lack of personal hygiene of some of the inmates, the toilets did get dirty and they were cleaned only after repeated requests and complaints from the inmates. However, the food served in the center was wholesome and one could have any number of helpings one wanted. Disposable plates and cups were used and the food was packed in packets. If anyone developed any symptoms he would be administered simple medicines but those with severe issues would be hospitalized.
After the novelty rubbed off spending time in the Qurantine facility became a pain for the inmates with restricted movements. They were not allowed outside the rooms and it became unbearable. Prakash feared for the well being of his family as they were instructed for undergoing Covid tests after one member of the family tested positive. How would my wife stay in such a set up, what if my parents test positive and are separated and taken away to different quarantine facilities, how will my children cope such worries engulfed Prakash which were dispelled only after the negative test results of his family.
After heaving a sigh of relief he construed that it is advisable not to go in for the COVID test without any kind of symptoms. If one suffers any discomfort or has any symptoms only then one should go in for the test or else life would be very difficult. After fourteen days in quarantine Prakash returned to his family, he was dropped off at his house with the advice that if he has any symptoms he should contact the people associated and they would take care of him. The notice that was stuck at his front gate was also removed but it would take time for the neighbors to get easy with him. "The government is doing the best it can", said Prakash. "In my absence as my house was sealed off, the authorities provided enough rations that would cater to the needs of my family till fourteen days."
Furthermore, the new declaration by the ICMR that asymptomatic persons could be home quarantined has come as a huge relief for the masses.
Assam is at a crucial stage in the COVID-19 pandemic with a massive spike in the cases. Community transmission is a reality that cannot ignore at this stage. The year 2020 has proved to be a forgettable year for everyone all over the world. Now the world has its fingers crossed for a vaccine that would put an end to this pandemic.
The author can be reached at ritug_pan@rediffmail.com
