COVID-19 Creates Havoc In Assam, More Restrictions Required

The Assam government has ruled out lockdown even when Covid-19 cases have seen an unprecedented increase in the recent days. However, the question rises whether more restrictions should be in place to curb the rapidly spreading virus.

On January 18, the state recorded the highest single day rise in Covid-19 cases with over 8000 testing positive to the novel coronavirus, of which over 1900 were reported from Kamrup (Metro) district. The disease also claimed 16 lives on that day, which is a matter of concern. The state recorded more than 6,70,000 cases till January 18.

Those with co-morbid conditions and the aged population have comprised the high risk group since the outbreak of the pandemic in Wuhan in December 2019. However, it is worrisome that even young children are falling prey to Covid-19 during the current third wave in India that, according to experts, is being driven by the Omicron variant.

A lockdown will undoubtedly affect the already crippling economy of the state, making it difficult for thousands to make ends meet. The number of unemployed youths in the state has more than doubled owing to layoffs by numerous companies. Under such circumstances the government cannot enforce a lockdown that will further break the backbone of the state’s economy.

However, there is a need to enforce more restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. The increase in cases can be attributed to people putting off their guard by not wearing masks and overcrowding in public places, especially during the recent festival season. Even when the police are fining people without masks, many are yet to adhere to the rules.

The state government meanwhile recently announced that all Covid-19 cases during the ongoing third wave will be considered omicron cases primarily because of their transmissible nature. Majority of the cases in the state are in home quarantine and experts feel that without more restrictions, there is danger of the virus spreading from these cases as well.

In fact, many twice vaccinated people have been infected by Covid-19. The omicron variant can evade the vaccine induced immunity, which makes the situation grim.